UK-Led Coalition Moves to ‘Operational Phase’ in Ukraine Peace Efforts
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Friday that an expanded international coalition is intensifying efforts to support Ukraine in peace negotiations with Russia, with plans for military talks this week to develop concrete security guarantees.
The coalition, which has grown since the initial Lancaster House meeting two weeks ago, will hold discussions on March 20 focusing on potential security arrangements that could include military presence if necessary.
“We will now move to the operational phase,” Starmer told reporters following a virtual summit in London on Friday. “We know from history, recent history, that a deal without security arrangements is not something which Putin respects.”
The prime minister warned that without robust guarantees, “Putin will breach the line again,” emphasizing that upcoming military talks would explore options including “troops on the ground and planes in the sky” to ensure compliance with any peace agreement.
Read: Britain Plans ‘Tripwire Force’ for Ukraine as Trump Discusses ‘Dividing Assets’ with Putin
Coalition members are also discussing seizing frozen Russian assets to increase economic pressure on Moscow, though Starmer acknowledged legal complexities in implementing such measures. The group has agreed to immediately impose additional sanctions against Russia.
“We agree we will keep increasing the pressure on Russia, keep the military aid flowing to Ukraine, and keep tightening restrictions on Russia’s economy,” Starmer said, dismissing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s conditional response to peace overtures as “not good enough.”
Putin had indicated on March 13 that Moscow would accept a US-backed 30-day ceasefire, but demanded Ukraine limit mobilization and training while Western nations halt military aid — conditions some critics have characterized as tantamount to surrender.
The expanded coalition now includes partners from Europe, Canada, Australia, and Japan, though Starmer provided few specifics during Friday’s press conference on how the alliance would compel Putin to moderate his demands in ceasefire negotiations.
Despite the Trump administration’s significant reduction in Ukraine support compared to previous US policy, Starmer emphasized ongoing communication with Washington.
“We are talking to the US every day about what happens next,” he said, adding that President Trump is “absolutely committed” to achieving lasting peace in Ukraine.
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