Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that military planning to safeguard a potential Ukraine ceasefire is entering the "operational phase" following a Saturday virtual meeting with world leaders. Military leaders will meet in London on Thursday "to put strong and robust plans in place."
Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security, and agreed that Ukraine must be able to defend itself and deter future Russian aggression.
"Robust and credible security arrangements are the best way to ensure that any deal ends in a lasting peace. We agreed military planners would convene again in the UK this week to progress practical plans for how our militaries can support Ukraine’s future security. We will build up Ukraine’s own defences and armed forces, and be ready to deploy as a ‘Coalition of the Willing’ in the event of a peace deal, to help secure Ukraine on the land, at sea, and in the sky," - Starmer stated.
He said that now is the time to engage in discussions on a mechanism to manage and monitor a full ceasefire and agree to serious negotiations towards not just a pause but a lasting peace, backed by strong security arrangements through our Coalition of the Willing.
"Putin is trying to delay – saying there must be a painstaking study before a ceasefire can take place. Well, the world needs action.... We won’t sit back and wait for Putin to act. Instead we will keep pushing forward," - UK Prime Minister stated.
The meeting follows Ukraine agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire after talks with the US. Russian President Vladimir Putin said he agrees with the idea, but set a number of pre-conditions for peace.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, who joined Saturday's meeting, said "active pressure is needed, not just talks".
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