UK ready to send troops to Ukraine if needed for peace: Keir Starmer

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made it clear in a statement that Britain is prepared to send troops to Ukraine if necessary to maintain peace after the war. 

He emphasized that the UK would stand ready to take action if peacekeeping efforts are required in Ukraine following the conflict.

In a recent opinion piece published in The Daily Telegraph, Starmer expressed the need for more than just a temporary ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. 

He said that a permanent agreement was essential to stop further aggression from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Starmer’s comments were also seen as a message to the United States, urging that European countries should play a larger role in bringing an end to the war in Ukraine. 

He stated, "Ensuring permanent peace in Ukraine is essential to prevent further aggression from Russian President Vladimir Putin."

This is the first time Starmer has publicly confirmed that the UK is willing to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine. 

Previously, he had only mentioned that the UK would assist in implementing a peace deal if one were reached.

He further wrote, "The UK is prepared to take responsibility for ensuring Ukraine’s security. I am not just saying this casually; I am stating this with clear commitment. I understand that British soldiers may face risks as part of this effort."

In light of the ongoing crisis, European leaders are set to meet today in Paris for an emergency summit to discuss the war in Ukraine. 

The summit will likely include the participation of several European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Meanwhile, the United States has confirmed that it has started discussions with Russia to resolve the conflict, although these talks will not involve European countries, as U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg made clear over the weekend.

French President Emmanuel Macron quickly responded to the U.S. announcement, calling for the urgent European summit. 

This meeting aims to address Europe‍‍`s involvement in the ongoing situation and its role in shaping the future of Ukraine.