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UK Commits to Peacekeeping in Ukraine, Says Sir Keir Starmer

UK Commits to Peacekeeping in Ukraine, Says Sir Keir Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer stated that the UK will play its “full part” in peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine during a surprise visit to the country on Thursday. Speaking with Sky News political editor Beth Rigby, he emphasized that the conflict with Russia affects not only Ukraine’s sovereignty but also the UK, notably in the context of the ongoing cost of living crisis.

This visit marks Starmer’s first trip to Ukraine since his party’s significant election victory six months ago. The discussions focused on Ukraine’s next steps amid growing uncertainty following Donald Trump’s election victory in November.

Donald Trump, who will be inaugurated on January 20, has expressed a desire to negotiate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine within 100 days. However, some European leaders worry that pressuring Ukraine for a deal could result in territorial concessions to Vladimir Putin.

Starmer stated he did not want “to get ahead of ourselves,” but reiterated the UK would contribute fully to peace negotiations, potentially including deploying British troops for peacekeeping. He highlighted the broader implications of Russian aggression, asserting that its success would affect democratic values and freedoms not just in Ukraine, but in the UK as well.

Upon his arrival, a Russian drone was shot down over the presidential palace as Starmer met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He described the drone threat as a stark reminder of the daily challenges Ukraine faces due to Russian aggression.

Addressing Ukraine’s long-standing goal of NATO membership, which Putin opposes, Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s support for Ukraine’s right to determine its security arrangements free from external interference. He noted that last summer, NATO members declared Ukraine was on an “irreversible” path toward membership.

In contrast, Zelenskyy has softened his stance on NATO membership, suggesting in a November interview that a ceasefire could be feasible if areas under his control fell “under the NATO umbrella,” thus allowing for potential negotiations on territory.

Meanwhile, Trump acknowledged Russia’s concerns about Ukraine joining NATO, stating, “Russia has somebody right on their doorstep, and I can understand their feeling about that.”

Credit: Sky News

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