Russian officials have expressed strong opposition to plans proposed by UK Leader Sir Keir Starmer, which involve British troops potentially participating in a peacekeeping force in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov articulated that such a deployment would signify “direct, official and unveiled involvement of Nato members in the war against Russia,” a scenario he asserted must be prevented.
Starmer's proposal aligns with efforts from UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron to galvanize a “coalition of the willing” aimed at enforcing any potential peace agreement in the ongoing conflict. In response to the situation, Sunak emphasised the importance of ensuring that Ukraine remains in a strong position amid ongoing fighting, stating, “We’ve got to make sure that if they are fighting on they’re in the strongest position and even if they go into negotiation that they’re in the strongest position.”
In light of the conflict, the UK has entered into an agreement with the Anglo-American security firm Anduril Industries to supply Ukraine with advanced attack drones, namely the Altius 600m and Altius 700m systems. These drones are designed to monitor areas prior to engaging targets and represent a £30 million investment supported by the International Fund for Ukraine, as detailed by the UK Ministry of Defence.
As the situation develops, UK Defence Secretary John Healey held discussions with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth to explore opportunities for peace. Healey commented on the importance of progressing these discussions, stating: “It's the detail of those discussions which are rightly behind the scenes that the defence secretary and I will now pursue.” Hegseth, in a separate comment, rejected claims of Washington adopting a pro-Russia approach, describing such accusations as “garbage.” He reiterated that any freeze on military aid to Ukraine is temporary.
Concerns have been raised regarding the implications of the US halting intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, which some observers believe may hinder Ukraine's capacity to utilise Western weaponry and limit access to critical information about incoming threats.
On a wider European front, leaders of the European Union convened for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss increased support for Ukraine and augmenting defence spending. Zelensky expressed gratitude to the European leaders, saying: “We are very thankful that we are not alone. These are not just words, we feel it.”
Among the outcomes of the meeting, EU leaders endorsed a £670 billion defence package aimed at bolstering European security, particularly in light of potential changes in US aid under a future Trump administration. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called this a “watershed moment,” noting that Europe must ensure its own security in order to reinforce Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
Moscow's response to President Macron's proposal for peacekeeping troops was described as “extremely confrontational,” with Lavrov pointing out historical instances where previous French leaders had explicitly stated intentions to conquer Russia. Additionally, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev derided Macron on social media, suggesting he poses no significant threat and predicting his political demise.
In the United States, Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general and former special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, indicated that the suspension of military support is having a tangible effect on Ukraine, asserting that “the Ukrainians brought it on themselves.” He likened the situation to “hitting a mule with a two-by-four across the nose,” implying that it serves as a strong wake-up call for Ukraine.
Source: Noah Wire Services