Russia has strongly condemned Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s proposal for British troops to be part of a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, should a deal to end the war be reached. The plan, which is being developed alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, aims to establish a “coalition of the willing” to oversee and enforce a potential peace agreement.
However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has dismissed the initiative as an act of direct military intervention, warning that it would signify “the direct, official, and unveiled involvement of NATO members in the war against Russia.” Speaking at a press conference in Moscow, Mr Lavrov insisted that such a move “can’t be allowed” and accused Western nations of escalating tensions instead of working towards a diplomatic resolution.
UK and allies push for peacekeeping initiative
Despite Russia’s objections, discussions about the peacekeeping coalition continue to gain momentum. Officials from around 20 countries—mainly European and Commonwealth nations—participated in talks on Wednesday, building on a summit hosted by Sir Keir Starmer in London over the weekend.
While not all nations involved in the discussions would necessarily contribute troops, many are considering other forms of support, such as logistical, financial, or intelligence assistance. The Defence Secretary, John Healey, emphasised that the UK remains “fixed” on seizing any opportunity to secure peace in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Ukraine and the United States will hold talks next week in Saudi Arabia to explore possible avenues for ending the conflict.
New military support for Ukraine
Alongside peacekeeping talks, the UK has signed a deal with an Anglo-American security firm to supply Ukraine with advanced attack drones. The agreement includes cutting-edge Altius 600m and Altius 700m systems, which are designed to monitor and strike enemy targets.
Sir Keir Starmer stressed that the immediate priority must be to strengthen Ukraine’s defences while peace negotiations remain uncertain. “The fighting is going on, and it’s a big mistake to think that all we’ve got to do is wait for a deal,” he said. “We’ve got to make sure that if they are fighting on, they’re in the strongest position.”
The drone contract, worth nearly £30 million, is funded through the International Fund for Ukraine and supported by the UK Ministry of Defence. It follows concerns that the US pause on military aid could leave Ukrainian forces vulnerable.
Defence Secretary John Healey stated: “The UK has already provided more than 10,000 drones to Ukraine’s armed forces, which have proved vital in disrupting Russian troop advances and targeting positions behind the front line.”
Concerns over US intelligence-sharing freeze
The recent decision by the US to halt intelligence-sharing with Ukraine has sparked concerns about Kyiv’s ability to defend itself. Intelligence reports are crucial in detecting and responding to Russian air and missile strikes, and the suspension of this assistance may weaken Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities.
European Union leaders met with President Zelensky in Brussels to discuss increased defence spending and further support for Ukraine. Mr Zelensky described the meeting as a “productive day” and outlined his first priority: establishing a ceasefire in the sky and at sea. This would include stopping missile, drone, and bomb attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and ending military operations in the Black Sea.
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US and European response
In a further diplomatic push, Saudi Arabia will host talks next week between Ukrainian and US officials, with President Zelensky set to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The discussions are expected to focus on securing a sustainable peace agreement.
Meanwhile, European leaders have pledged to boost defence spending, particularly in light of concerns that Donald Trump, should he return to the White House, may reduce US security assistance for Europe.
The European Commission has proposed an €800 billion (£670 billion) defence package to support member states in strengthening their military capabilities. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the move as a “watershed moment”, stating:
“Europe faces a clear and present danger, and therefore Europe has to be able to protect itself, to defend itself, as we have to put Ukraine in a position to protect itself and to push for a lasting and just peace.”
As international efforts to secure peace continue, tensions between NATO and Russia remain high, with Moscow viewing any Western involvement in Ukraine as a direct challenge to its strategic interests. While diplomatic talks are ongoing, the situation on the ground suggests that military and political pressures will continue to shape the course of the conflict in the months ahead.
