UK Defence Secretary John Healey has been meeting European allies (Image: Getty)
Talks about sending British armed forces to keep the peace in will continue when Defence Secretary John Healey meets European allies today. It is the start of an intensive week of diplomacy aimed at ending the war between and , which will also see G7 foreign ministers including Foreign Secretary David Lammy meeting in Canada.
Mr Healey will join counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and Poland at the Val-de-Grace chapel in Paris to discuss plans for a peacekeeping force in if the current conflict with can be brought to an end. Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin has already met his French counterpart to further discussions about a coalition of up to 30 nations that could contribute to ’s future security, although not all are expected to provide armed forces.
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Mr Healey said: “The UK remains steadfast in its support for , and we will continue to lead alongside our European partners as we push for a just and lasting peace.
“European nations are stepping up. By deepening our defence co-operation, boosting spending, and enhancing our collective strength, we send a clear message: we will not waver in standing with and defending our shared values.”
The ministers will also discuss stepping up their own defences including scaling up the production of weapons.
Sir last night welcomed the breakthrough in talks in Saudi Arabia where US and Ukrainian representatives agreed on a plan for a ceasefire, placing pressure on now also to agree to end the fighting.
US President said he would speak to ‘s President Putin this week. Sir Keir said: “I warmly welcome the agreement today in Jeddah and congratulate President Trump and President Zelenskyy for this remarkable breakthrough.
“This is an important moment for peace in and we now all need to redouble our efforts to get to a lasting and secure peace as soon as possible.
“As both American and Ukrainian delegations have said, the ball is now in the Russian court. must now agree to a ceasefire and an end to the fighting too.
“I will be convening leaders this Saturday to discuss next steps. We are ready to help bring an end to this war in a just and permanent way that allows to enjoy its freedom.”
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Speaking to Cabinet colleagues on Tuesday, the Prime Minister linked global conflicts to reforms at home intended to cut costs and reduce red tape. He said global events have shown the impact that insecurity across the world has domestically, and the UK must create a strong, agile and active state in order to deliver security.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was joined by Mike Waltz, Mr Trump’s national security adviser, for talks in Jeddah with allies of ’s president including Andriy Sybiha, the country’s foreign minister.
Earlier this week Russian air defences shot down more than 300 Ukrainian drones in the biggest such attack since the Kremlin ordered the full-scale invasion of its neighbour.
Two people were killed and 18 others injured, including three children, in the massive drone attack that spanned 10 Russian regions, officials said. Other reports have said three people died.
Meanwhile, launched 126 Shahed and other drones and a ballistic missile at on Tuesday, the Ukrainian air force said, as part of Moscow’s relentless pounding of civilian areas during the war.