Britain has pledged unwavering support for Ukraine as fierce fighting continues on the ground, with Sir Keir Starmer preparing to lead a crucial 36-nation coalition meeting on Tuesday amid intensifying diplomatic efforts to broker peace.
The Prime Minister told Parliament that the UK "will never falter" in supporting Ukraine and confirmed Britain remains willing to deploy troops as part of a peacekeeping force if a ceasefire is reached. The commitment comes as overnight bombardment killed at least six people in Ukraine and knocked out water and electricity in parts of Kyiv, while Ukrainian forces launched a drone attack on Russia's Rostov region that reportedly killed three and injured eight.
Sir Keir spoke directly with President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday in what both leaders described as a "good and very productive" conversation. The Ukrainian president expressed gratitude for British condolences while noting the stark reality: "Last night, Russia launched another attack – at a time when Ukraine, together with America, Europe, and many others around the world, are working virtually around the clock to stop the bloodshed."
Diplomatic Push Intensifies
The coalition of the willing meeting later Tuesday will address both the peace process and plans for deploying a multinational peacekeeping force. No 10 said "planning has continued on an enduring basis" following the UK and France's summer commitment to such a force.
Asked directly whether Britain would put boots on the ground if hostilities cease, Sir Keir's official spokesman said: "The answer is yes."
The diplomatic push follows weekend talks in Geneva between US and Ukrainian representatives about a 28-point peace plan set out by Donald Trump's administration after discussions with Russia. Ukraine and its European allies have pushed back against the plan, which contained significant concessions to Moscow.
In the Commons, Sir Keir said he had welcomed "the continued efforts of the United States to end the war and stop the killing" in a conversation with Trump. The Prime Minister acknowledged the American plan "included points that were not acceptable" but contained "some very important elements" such as security guarantees from the US and other partners.
Washington Talks Ahead
Zelensky told Sir Keir that "following the meetings in Geneva, we see many prospects that can make the path to peace real." He noted there are "solid results, and much work still lies ahead."
US army secretary Dan Driscoll met Russian officials for several hours in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday to discuss developments after the Geneva talks. Meanwhile, Zelensky is expected to travel to Washington before the end of November "to complete final steps and make a deal with President Trump," senior Ukrainian official Rustem Umerov said.
In Parliament, Sir Keir condemned continued Russian attacks on Ukraine, saying there was "only one nation that deploys a constant barrage aimed at murdering innocent civilians." He stressed that Ukraine's sovereignty "must be maintained" and warned of "a tough road ahead" while reaffirming the UK was "more committed than ever to this cause."
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
