The UK is prepared to deploy peacekeepers in Ukraine, according to the Prime Minister.
He stated this in a comment to Sky News during his visit to Kyiv.
Starmer emphasized that he does not want to "get ahead of himself," but assured that the United Kingdom will play a "full role" in any peace negotiations, including the deployment of British troops to maintain peace.
"It's about how this will affect the United Kingdom and our values, our freedom, our democracy. Because if Russia succeeds in this aggression, it will impact all of us for a very long time," the British Prime Minister stressed.
Western Troops in Ukraine
Back in February 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron discussed sending his troops to Ukraine at a meeting of partner countries he convened in Paris. However, he noted that the states had not yet reached a consensus on this issue.
In November, the French publication Le Monde reported that some European leaders had returned to the discussion about the possible deployment of Western troops to Ukraine due to the potential refusal of newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump to assist Kyiv.
Meanwhile, American media circulated a peace plan for the war in Ukraine allegedly proposed by advisors to the newly elected U.S. President.
This plan, in particular, envisions the creation of a demilitarized zone along the frozen front line between Russia and Ukraine, with security there guaranteed by troops from European countries.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that partner troops in Ukraine could become one of the best tools to compel Russia to peace. However, he emphasized that the European peacekeeping mission should not replace Ukraine's NATO membership.
Previously, Italy and Germany had expressed their readiness to send peacekeepers. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius noted that Russia must also agree to coordinate the European peacekeeping mission.
At the same time, Poland stated that it does not plan to send its troops.
Starmer's Visit to Ukraine
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv on January 16 for an unannounced visit, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This is his first trip to Ukraine since taking office.
After the meeting between the Ukrainian president and the British prime minister, Ukraine and the United Kingdom signed a 100-year agreement on military cooperation, partnership in the energy sector, and other areas.
The British government promised to deliver 15 new mobile air defense systems, Gravehawk, to Ukraine in 2025, developed with joint funding from Denmark. The country will also continue training Ukrainian military personnel.