Starmer and Macron Discuss Sending Peacekeeping Forces to Ukraine for Ceasefire

Jan 16, 2025, 10:21 AM

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have been discussing the deployment of peacekeeping forces to Ukraine following any potential agreement to end the ongoing conflict with Russia. The discussions have been kept secret, with both Downing Street and the Élysée Palace not denying the possibility. The proposal, championed by Macron, involves sending UK and French troops to Ukraine to oversee a ceasefire agreement. This idea has been discussed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. However, Starmer has not fully committed to the proposal, citing concerns over the safety of the troops and the potential for escalation. The discussions come at a time when European leaders are considering how to support Ukraine's sovereignty, especially with US President-elect Donald Trump's insistence on a peace agreement with Russia.