Vladimir Putin is likely to disregard any peace agreement with Ukraine unless it is backed by an international coalition, according to British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. During a visit to a UK military base, Starmer met with senior military officers from over 30 nations. Their goal is to develop a solid plan to support Ukraine in case a ceasefire is reached.
Starmer emphasized that without a strong defense, any deal would not hold. He expressed concern that the ongoing push for immediate peace talks, especially from figures like Donald Trump, could undermine the coalition’s efforts. Analysts fear that peace might be declared before the coalition can effectively organize.
This week, the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa experienced a significant Russian drone attack, highlighting the ongoing conflict even as discussions of peace are underway. US negotiators are set to meet separately with both Ukrainian and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia on Monday to explore options for a ceasefire.
Trump has also claimed he is close to finalizing an economic deal with Ukraine, which is seen as a crucial step in strengthening US support for the country. However, the deal has not yet been finalized.
Starmer discussed the urgency of preparing for any potential peace deal during his meeting with military planners at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters. He noted that the outcome of peace talks is uncertain, but it is essential to have plans in place beforehand.
The size and structure of the proposed "reassurance force" for Ukraine remain unclear. Initial discussions suggest it could involve thousands of troops to secure cities and protect critical infrastructure, while air forces would help secure the skies. However, without support from the US, this European-led coalition may struggle to deter Russia effectively.
Starmer reiterated that a peace agreement without military backing would likely be broken by Putin, as has happened in the past. He called for immediate action to ensure that any political intentions translate into concrete plans for Ukraine’s defense.