UK PM Starmer Says Military Planning For Future Ukraine Peace Deal Moving To 'Operational Phase'

UK PM Keir Starmer announced that military leaders would convene in London on Thursday to establish robust plans supporting a peace agreement and ensuring Ukraine's security. He said plans for a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine are advancing to an "operational phase." The announcement was made following a "coalition of the willing" on Saturday.

During a virtual meeting with 29 global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Sir Keir mentioned new commitments on peacekeeping and increased sanctions on Russia. He stated, "The group that met this morning is a bigger group than we had two weeks ago, there is a stronger collective resolve and new commitments were put on the table this morning, both in relation to the coalition of the willing in terms of defending the deal, also in relation to the wider point, which is the collective defence and security of Europe."

Commitments and Discussions

Sir Keir did not specify which countries had made concrete commitments to the peacekeeping force. When asked about potential actions by such a force, he indicated that these would be discussed by military chiefs on Thursday. He noted that different countries have varying capabilities, which will be part of ongoing operational discussions.

The meeting included leaders from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was also present despite initial scepticism about Anglo-French peacekeeping proposals. The gathering followed intense diplomatic efforts where American officials proposed an unconditional 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

Ceasefire Challenges
The Kremlin has resisted this ceasefire proposal unless Ukraine abandons its Nato ambitions and cedes territory to Russia. Speaking from Number 10's Cabinet room, Sir Keir urged world leaders not to "sit back and wait" for a ceasefire but to continue pushing for lasting peace. He accused Vladimir Putin of attempting to delay negotiations but insisted Putin would eventually need to engage seriously.

Mikhail Kasyanov, Putin's first prime minister who now opposes him, suggested that while Putin might reject Nato or European troops in Ukraine, he could accept soldiers from "friendly countries" like India and Brazil. Following the meeting, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for seizing Russian assets to fund support for Ukraine as "the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace."

Drone Attacks
Meanwhile, both Russia and Ukraine launched drone attacks overnight. Each country reported over 100 enemy drones entering their airspace. No casualties were reported as both nations' defence ministries claimed they shot down around 130 enemy drones.

When asked if seizing Russian assets was discussed with his counterparts, Sir Keir confirmed it was mentioned but acknowledged it as "a complicated question."