Sir Keir Starmer is considering plans to send British troops into Ukraine to act as peacekeepers in the event of a ceasefire with Russia.
The development came during the prime minister’s first trip to Ukraine since he took power six months ago, which included a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The trip saw the prime minister seizing the international agenda just days before Donald Trump is sworn in for his second term as US president on Monday with a plan to negotiate and end to the Ukraine/ Russia war.
While Downing Street remained tight-lipped about the possibility of British boots on the ground in Ukraine, Mr Zelensky confirmed that it was on the agenda.
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The Ukraine president said the two men had discussed a French-backed proposal for Western peacekeepers to monitor a future ceasefire, but said it’s “a bit too early to talk about details.”
Such a move would pile pressure on Vladimir Putin and raise the stakes in any peace negotiations being proposed by Mr Trump. However, the US president-elect has already indicated that he will not weaken his negotiating hand and will continue to pour money and military aid into Ukraine until Putin agrees a deal.
Mr Trump’s pick for secretary of state Marco Rubio suggested on Wednesday that both Ukraine and Russia would have to make concessions to end the war.
Sir Keir did not commit to peacekeepers but directing his words at Mr Zelensky, he said that “we will work with you and all of our allies on steps that would be robust enough to guarantee Ukraine’s security” and deter future aggression.
“Those conversations will continue for many months ahead,” he said.
Sir Keir committed to a 100-year partnership with Ukraine to guarantee its security and peace. The prime minister had already ensured that Nato would ensure Ukraine is allowed to eventually become a member at his first summit in July shortly after winning the election.
As Sir Keir and Mr Zelensky met in Kyiv, the peril of Putin’s war on Ukraine was underlined with a drone being shot down nearby.
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Sir Keir said: “The attacks here today are a reminder of the daily attacks and the resolve of the Ukrainian people in the face of it.
“We are with you not just today or tomorrow, for this year or the next, but for a hundred years, long after this terrible war is over and Ukraine is free and thriving once again.”
After the meeting, Sir Keir said that “the UK will give more military support than ever before” to Ukraine this year, including artillery gun barrels.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Mr Zelensky, Sir Keir said: “In 2025 the UK will give more military support to Ukraine than ever before.
“We have already committed £3 billion for military aid this year and we’re going further to support the front line, providing a £2.2 billion loan which will be paid back not by Ukraine, but from the interest on frozen Russian assets.”
He added: “We’re also galvanising British industry, so today I’m pleased to announce that we’re providing 150 artillery barrels for Ukraine made by Sheffield Forgemasters.
“It is the first time in over 20 years that these barrels were produced in the United Kingdom and they will start arriving in Ukraine in just a few weeks’ time.”
He told the Ukraine president: “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.”
Asking about peace-keeping troops, the prime minister’s official spokesperson pointed to the new 100 year partnership as a sign of Britain’s “steadfast commitment to provide support for Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
They added: “The prime minister has said this morning, it’s really important we ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position. That is what he is discussing with Zelensky today.”
