UK says striving with Europe to achieve ‘just, lasting’ peace in Ukraine
UK Foreign Minister David Lammy said he had spoken to counterparts in France, Germany, Poland, Italy and Spain about Ukraine and that their determination to strike a “just and lasting” peace deal, alongside the US, remained clear.
“Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security. We will step up and we are stepping up – together,” he wrote in a post to X.
Keir Starmer praises Zelenskyy for his commitment to secure peace
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s “steadfast commitment to securing peace” during a phone call with the Ukrainian, a spokeswoman for Starmer’s office said.
The spokeswoman said Starmer told Zelenskyy “It was vital that all parties worked towards a lasting and secure peace for Ukraine as soon as possible.”
Zelenskyy has worked to patch things up with Trump after deteriorating relations between the US and Ukraine raised concerns over US military support for Ukraine in the long run.
Starmer hosted European leaders, including Zelenskyy, in London on Sunday to show support to the Ukrainian leader after his showdown with Trump on Friday.
Europe’s ‘coalition of the willing’ — what countries are part of it?
The term “coalition of the willing” was central to a defense meeting on Ukrainian support held in London last weekend.
The UK and France suggested that they would lead the coalition that could see boots on the ground in Ukraine in the event of an actual ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.
JD Vance clarifies ‘random country’ peacekeeping remark following criticism
US Vice President JD Vance has clarified that his comments about a peacekeeping force from a “random country” were not directed toward French or British troops.
“I don’t even mention the UK or France in the clip, both of whom have fought bravely alongside the US over the last 20 years, and beyond,” Vance said.
The US vice president was responding to criticism that followed his interview with Fox News on Monday.
Vance said in the interview that the best security guarantee for the Ukrainians would be to “give Americans economic upside in the future of Ukraine.”
“That is a way better security guarantee than 20,000 troops from some country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years,” he added.
The comment drew immediate outrage since theUK and France have actively sought to bridge the gaps between the US and Ukraine amid their deepening rift.
Both British and French soldiers have fought alongside US soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq, with UK shadow Defense Secretary James Cartlidge saying that, “It’s deeply disrespectful to ignore such service and sacrifice.”
Source : https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-zelenskyy-ready-to-work-with-trump-toward-peace/live-71818042
