PM UK will discuss peacekeeping troops in Ukraine with allies

The UK will discuss deploying peacekeeping troops to Ukraine with its allies, Sir Keir Starmer said, as he vowed Britain will “play our part” in guaranteeing the country’s security following any ceasefire with Russia.

The Prime Minister indicated he was speaking to international partners, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, about the prospect of western soldiers monitoring a future deal.

Sir Keir’s first visit to Kyiv since entering No 10 coincided with a drone attack by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces on the Ukrainian capital.

The Prime Minister heard sirens warning Kyiv’s citizens of the air raid as he met Mr Zelensky, a moment he said highlighted the “incredible resolve” of the Ukrainian people.

“Let’s be clear, we all want this war to end, no-one wants that more than Ukrainians, but right now Putin shows no sign of wanting peace,” Sir Keir said.

The air raid was “a reminder of the daily attacks and the resolve of the Ukrainian people in the face of it”.

In response to the apparent message the Russian attack had sent, Mr Zelensky said: “We will say hello to them, too.”

Asked later on Thursday whether in principle he would agree to send troops to Ukraine to safeguard any peace deal, as Mr Macron has called for, Sir Keir told Sky News: “We will be discussing this with a number of allies, including of course President Macron, including President Zelensky here today, and we will play our full part.

Published: 16/01/2025 by Radio NewsHub