UK finds new Russian threat to peacekeepers in Ukraine - Telegraph
Photo: UK has identified new risks to its peacekeepers in Ukraine because of Russia (Getty Images)
The United Kingdom has identified a new threat to its peacekeepers in Ukraine. It was also noted that the country will not take part in hostilities, The Telegraph reports.
The British government has refused to back down from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), despite fears that British soldiers sent to Ukraine could be targeted by Russian courts.
In a letter obtained by The Telegraph, British Defense Minister John Healey confirmed that British troops will not take part in combat operations. Instead, their main purpose will be to train the Ukrainian military, which raises questions about potential legal implications for British peacekeepers.
Shadow Defense Secretary James Cartlidge has asked Healey to reconsider this decision, as he fears that Russia could use the ECHR as a tool to organize legal action against the British military in London.
This is a worrying prospect, as previous operations by British forces have already faced numerous lawsuits.
However, Minister Healey dismissed these calls, emphasizing that the UK adheres to international law even during military operations and has no plans to deviate from the ECHR.
According to him, British troops will play an important role in rebuilding the Ukrainian armed forces to withstand Russian aggression, including through training and assistance in building a capable army.
He also emphasized that compliance with the ECHR would not be an obstacle to achieving these goals.
Although the minister said that the presence of British peacekeepers in Ukraine would be mainly limited to training functions, some politicians consider this a significant step that could cause legal and political difficulties.
Deployment of peacekeepers in Ukraine
Many European Union countries do not rule out deploying a military contingent in Ukraine if the fighting stops. So far, six countries have agreed to send peacekeepers.
President Zelenskyy did not rule out that the United Kingdom and France would be the first to deploy peacekeepers.
In particular, London may deploy troops in Ukraine for 5 years.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed to extend NATO's Article 5 on collective security to Ukraine without the country's membership in the Alliance.
