A British paratrooper in Afghanistan (Image: Getty Images)
A majority of British people support sending UK armed forces to as part of a peacekeeping force once the Russian invasion ends. A new poll found 52% back the idea, with 27% opposed. In France, the only other country publicly signed up to the plan at the moment, 49% support their armed forces going to and 29% oppose the idea.
British Prime Minister Sir has said he is “ready to put boots on the ground and planes in the air” as part of a “coalition of the willing”. The survey from YouGov asked people “in the event of a peace deal in , would you support or oppose [respondent country] soldiers being stationed in the country as peacekeepers, alongside soldiers from other European countries?”. The name of the country changed depending on where the question was asked.
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As the question suggested, the plan is only to send armed forces to keep the peace if the current fighting caused by ‘s invasion ends.
Sir Keir has also said that any UK presence would require a “backstop” of military support from the US, although US President has not agreed to this.
It’s thought that other European countries will join the “coalition of the willing”, though some could provide military support that stops short of sending armed forces to . Other nations that could become involved include Canada and Turkey, and there are suggestions that even Saudi Arabia could help. has already said it will not accept troops from other European countries in .
The survey also found that 80% of British people have an “unfavourable” view of US President with just 15% looking on him favourably. This is despite the US traditionally being seen as our closest ally. Historically, US Presidents have had a good relationship with the UK such as Ronald Reagan, who was close to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and Bill Clinton, who was close to Tony Blair.
The YouGov poll found 71% of British people have a favourable view of Ukrainian President and 14% said their view was unfavourable.
The survey was conducted after Mr Trump invited Mr Zelensky to the White House where US vice-president JD Vance shouted at the wartime leader before Mr Trump threw him out. The pair wanted Mr Zelensky to sign a mineral deal but objected when he suggested security guarantees were needed to stop Russian dictator launching another invasion of his country.
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Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan in 1984 (Image: -)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday he welcomed indications that the US would delay substantial tariffs on Canadian products for a month, but said Canada’s plan to impose retaliatory tariffs would remain in place for now.
Mr Trudeau said he expects Canada and the US to be in a trade war for the foreseeable future after having what he called a colourful but constructive call with US President this week.
Mr Trudeau said the two sides are “actively engaged in ongoing conversations in trying to make sure these tariffs don’t overly harm” certain sectors and workers.
He also reiterated that “we will not be backing down from our response tariffs until such a time as the unjustified American tariffs on Canadian goods are lifted”.
Mr Trump launched a new trade war on Tuesday by imposing tariffs against Washington’s three biggest trading partners, drawing immediate retaliation from Mexico, Canada and China and sending financial markets into a tailspin.
Mr Trump put 25% taxes, or tariffs, on Mexican and Canadian imports, though he limited the levy to 10% on Canadian energy.