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Sir Keir Starmer is contemplating plans to ship British troops into Ukraine to behave as peacekeepers within the occasion of a ceasefire with Russia.
The event got here through the prime minister’s first journey to Ukraine since he took energy six months in the past, which included a gathering with president Volodymyr Zelensky.
The journey noticed the prime minister seizing the worldwide agenda simply days earlier than Donald Trump is sworn in for his second time period as US president on Monday with a plan to barter an finish to the Ukraine/Russia struggle.
Whereas Downing Road remained tight-lipped about the potential of British boots on the bottom in Ukraine, Mr Zelensky confirmed that it was on the agenda.
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The Ukraine president mentioned the 2 males had mentioned a French-backed proposal for Western peacekeepers to watch a future ceasefire, however mentioned it’s “a bit too early to speak about particulars”.
Such a transfer would pile strain on Vladimir Putin and lift the stakes in any peace negotiations being proposed by Mr Trump. Nonetheless, the US president-elect has already indicated that he won’t weaken his negotiating hand and can proceed to pour cash and navy help into Ukraine till Putin agrees to a deal.
Mr Trump’s decide for secretary of state Marco Rubio recommended on Wednesday that each Ukraine and Russia must make concessions to finish the struggle.
Sir Keir didn’t decide to peacekeepers however, directing his phrases at Mr Zelensky, he mentioned that “we are going to work with you and all of our allies on steps that will be strong sufficient to ensure Ukraine’s safety” and deter future aggression.
“These conversations will proceed for a lot of months forward,” he mentioned.
Sir Keir dedicated to a 100-year partnership with Ukraine to ensure its safety and peace. The prime minister had already mentioned that Nato would guarantee Ukraine is allowed to ultimately turn out to be a member at his first summit in July shortly after successful the election.
As Sir Keir and Mr Zelensky met in Kyiv, the peril of Putin’s struggle on Ukraine was underlined by a drone being shot down close by.
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Sir Keir mentioned: “The assaults right here as we speak are a reminder of the day by day assaults and the resolve of the Ukrainian individuals within the face of it.
“We’re with you not simply as we speak or tomorrow, for this yr or the subsequent, however for 100 years, lengthy after this horrible struggle is over and Ukraine is free and thriving as soon as once more.”
After the assembly, Sir Keir mentioned that “the UK will give extra navy assist than ever earlier than” to Ukraine this yr, together with artillery gun barrels.
Talking at a joint press convention with Mr Zelensky, Sir Keir mentioned: “In 2025 the UK will give extra navy assist to Ukraine than ever earlier than.
“We have now already dedicated £3bn for navy help this yr and we’re going additional to assist the entrance line, offering a £2.2bn mortgage which will likely be paid again not by Ukraine, however from the curiosity on frozen Russian belongings.”
He added: “We’re additionally galvanising British business, so as we speak I’m happy to announce that we’re offering 150 artillery barrels for Ukraine made by Sheffield Forgemasters.
“It’s the first time in over 20 years that these barrels have been produced in the UK and they’ll begin arriving in Ukraine in only a few weeks’ time.”
He instructed the Ukraine president: “Let’s be clear, all of us need this struggle to finish, nobody desires that greater than Ukrainians, however proper now Putin reveals no signal of wanting peace.”
Asking about peace-keeping troops, the prime minister’s official spokesperson pointed to the brand new 100-year partnership as an indication of Britain’s “steadfast dedication to offer assist for Ukraine for so long as it takes”.
They added: “The prime minister has mentioned this morning, it’s actually essential we guarantee Ukraine is within the strongest potential place. That’s what he’s discussing with Zelensky as we speak.”
