Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has signaled that plans to deploy a peacekeeping force in Ukraine are now entering an “operational phase,” marking the strongest indication yet that Western allies are prepared to put troops on the ground to support a ceasefire. Speaking from Downing Street, Sir Keir emphasized that the international community is ready to “help secure Ukraine on the land, at sea, and in the sky” and warned that allies would not wait for Russian President Vladimir Putin to act.
“We won’t sit back and wait for Putin to act,” Sir Keir declared, vowing to “keep pushing forward” with plans to back a peace deal and guarantee Ukraine’s future security. He announced that military chiefs from a coalition of Western countries would meet on Thursday to finalize “strong and robust plans” to support a ceasefire and ensure Ukraine’s defense.
The prime minister also sought to draw a clear distinction between Putin and former US President Donald Trump, accusing Russia of attempting to delay peace negotiations. Despite Trump’s claims of “good and productive” talks with Russia, Sir Keir warned that Putin is using delaying tactics to stall progress. “Sooner or later, Putin will have to come to the table,” he said, urging an immediate end to the conflict. “Let the guns fall silent, let the barbaric attacks on Ukraine, once and for all, stop, and agree to a ceasefire now.”
Sir Keir’s remarks came after a virtual meeting with 29 world leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. The discussions focused on tightening sanctions against Russia and advancing plans for a peacekeeping force. Sir Keir highlighted the growing international resolve, stating, “There is a stronger collective resolve and new commitments were put on the table this morning.”
However, questions remain about the specifics of the proposed peacekeeping force, including its size, composition, and legal basis under international law. Sir Keir acknowledged that these details would be addressed during Thursday’s military talks, noting that different countries would contribute varying capabilities to the coalition.
Ukrainian President Zelensky, meanwhile, warned that Russia is preparing for a fresh ground assault in eastern Ukraine and accused Putin of lying about the situation. In a post on Twitter/X, Zelensky stated, “A ceasefire could have already happened, but Russia is doing everything to prevent it.” He urged international partners to understand Putin’s intentions and preparations.
The push for a peacekeeping force comes amid escalating tensions and ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine. Sir Keir emphasized that Russia’s actions undermine global security, stating, “Russia’s appetite for conflict and chaos undermines our security back here at home.” He also highlighted new commitments to strengthen sanctions against Russia, which he described as a critical tool to pressure Moscow into accepting a peace deal.
The meeting included leaders from across Europe, as well as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, reflecting broad international support for Ukraine. However, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reportedly hesitated to join the call due to skepticism about the Anglo-French peacekeeping proposals.
The proposed peacekeeping force represents a significant escalation in international efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine. While the details are still being finalized, Sir Keir’s announcement underscores the growing determination among Western allies to take concrete steps to support Ukraine and counter Russian aggression.
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