Story Highlight
– Trump-Putin meeting could initiate peace in Ukraine conflict.
– UK ready to send troops to reinforce potential ceasefire.
– High stakes noted by Trump before Alaska summit.
– Zelensky emphasizes need for genuine peace negotiations.
– Coalition of 30 countries prepared for military planning.
Full Story
Defense Secretary John Healey has remarked that the upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin may represent a significant initial move towards peace in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He indicated that the UK is prepared to deploy troops to Ukraine to support a ceasefire, should an agreement be reached.
Healey emphasized, however, that the UK government is also ready to intensify economic sanctions against Russia if, during the meeting in Alaska, Trump determines that Putin is not genuinely seeking resolution. The summit, scheduled to commence at 20:00 BST, has been characterized by Trump as a “feel-out meeting,” aimed at preparing for a future discussion between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin. Trump expressed confidence, stating that he believes Putin will “not mess around” with him, though he acknowledged a 25% likelihood of an unsuccessful outcome from the meeting. Prior to his departure from Washington, Trump conveyed the high stakes of the discussions through social media, declaring “HIGH STAKES!!!!”
Reacting to the forthcoming discussions, Zelensky expressed hope that they would “open up a real path toward a just peace,” highlighting Ukraine’s expectation for support from the United States. The conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion in 2022, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Trump has indicated that any potential resolution will require compromises on territorial boundaries. While Ukraine has firmly rejected any notion of ceding land, Russia seeks to retain control over territories it has acquired, including Crimea, and desires assurances that Ukraine will not join the NATO alliance.
European leaders, while not invited to the Alaska meeting, have attempted to shape the US president’s approach following a joint phone call earlier in the week. When questioned on BBC Breakfast about the UK’s position, Healey clarified, “No, the UK’s role is to stand with Ukraine on the battlefield and in the negotiations,” stating that the UK has been actively involved in military planning alongside 30 other nations for a ceasefire and sustainable peace through what is termed the “coalition of the willing.”
This coalition, consisting mainly of European countries, has assembled in excess of 200 military planners who have been working on detailed strategies for a potential ceasefire. Healey confirmed that multinational forces stand ready to implement these plans immediately, asserting, “The military plans are complete.” He added that the UK is primed to send troops to Ukraine, both to reassure Ukrainian forces and to ensure the safety of the country’s airspace and maritime zones, maintaining that “the best deterrence against Russia… re-launching their aggression against Ukraine is the strength of Ukraine to stand for itself.”
In a separate development, Zelensky met with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Thursday. Following their discussion, Zelensky highlighted that they had explored partnerships in weaponry, including investments in drone manufacturing, as well as the One Hundred Year Partnership, which is set to be ratified this month.
