Russia has strongly condemned British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s proposal to deploy British troops as part of a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, calling it a move that would amount to “direct involvement in the war.” The plan, which aims to form a “coalition of the willing” to enforce a potential peace deal, has drawn sharp criticism from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Lavrov described the initiative as the “direct, official, and unveiled involvement of NATO members in the war against Russia,” asserting that such actions “cannot be allowed.” The proposal, supported by French President Emmanuel Macron, seeks to deter future aggression by stationing peacekeeping forces along the Ukrainian-Russian border if a peace agreement is reached.
The criticism comes amid heightened tensions, as European leaders, including Starmer, Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, convened at a recent summit to discuss strategies for ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. Starmer emphasized the importance of maintaining Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and strengthening its position in any negotiations.
The UK has also signed agreements to supply Ukraine with advanced attack drones, further escalating the geopolitical stakes. While Starmer’s plan has garnered support from several European nations, Russia’s response underscores the complexities of achieving a lasting peace in the region.
As discussions continue, the international community remains divided on the best approach to resolving the conflict, with Russia’s opposition highlighting the challenges of balancing peacekeeping efforts and geopolitical sensitivities.
