The UK government is leading efforts to ensure any future peace deal between Russia and Ukraine is backed by strong security guarantees, amid concerns that Russian President Vladimir Putin would violate any agreement if left unchecked.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, after attending a high-level military meeting in London, emphasized that a peace deal without enforcement measures would not last, given Russia’s track record of breaching agreements.
Speaking at the Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, London, where over 20 nations gathered for confidential military discussions, Sir Keir stressed the importance of transitioning from political negotiations to concrete military planning.
Starmer made it clear that a peace agreement would only hold if it were reinforced by credible security arrangements, warning that Russia must face severe consequences if it violates any terms.
“We know from past experience that Putin does not respect agreements, and he will breach any deal that is not firmly enforced,” Starmer said.
The UK and its allies are now discussing how to deploy forces to bolster Ukraine’s security, though not at the expense of existing NATO commitments, such as troop deployments in Estonia.
At the meeting, UK Defence Secretary John Healey and top military chiefs explored detailed operational plans for a potential deployment, which sources describe as a reassurance force rather than a peacekeeping mission.
Reports suggest that British Typhoon jets could be sent to Ukraine to provide air cover for troops, a move seen as critical to securing Ukraine’s borders, airspace, and territorial waters.
Meanwhile, US-led ceasefire negotiations continue to stall. Despite initial agreements in principle between Zelensky and Putin, disagreements over conditions have delayed any official truce.
With the war now in its fourth year, Washington is intensifying efforts to broker a ceasefire. Ukrainian and Russian officials are set to meet separately with US negotiators in Saudi Arabia next week, as part of renewed diplomatic efforts.
However, with tensions still high, Western nations remain skeptical about Russia’s true intentions, reinforcing the belief that only a militarily enforced deal can secure lasting peace.
