Keir Starmer held a virtual meeting with other world leaders to discuss the developments regarding the war in Ukraine (Image: Getty)
hit out at ‘s proposed “coalition of the willing”, branding it a “complete fantasy”. The prime minister held a virtual meeting with other world leaders to discuss the developments regarding the war in . The meeting, called the “coalition of the willing” by Sir Keir, delved into how countries can help and support any future possible peacekeeping mission.
The meeting was slammed by Portillo, who suggested the Labour leader is risking being “quite dishonest”. ” has had a marvellous press recently, people say he’s doing brilliantly in foreign affairs,” Portillo said on . “I think this coalition of the willing is a complete fantasy, and it’s getting to the stage where it’s really risking being quite dishonest.”
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Michael Portillo branded Sir Keir’s “coalition of the willing” a “complete fantasy” (Image: YouTube)
He claimed that European nations don’t have the military capacity to make a meaningful difference in , who have been at war with for the last three years.
“We don’t have the capacity to send forces in who could make a serious difference,” the former defence secretary declared, before describing the proposed European contribution as potentially insulting.
He added: “There are a million Ukrainians under arms, and we’re on the side talking about possibly sending 10,000 troops between 29 nations, [it] is kind of insulting.”
Speaking to Camilla Tominey, the 71-year-old insisted the initiative is “not serious” and believes it’s “a way of getting good press for European leaders”.
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The prime minister claimed Vladimir Putin is “not serious” about peace (Image: Getty)
Ahead of the summit, Sir Keir said: “We can’t allow President Putin to play games with President Trump’s deal. The Kremlin’s complete disregard for President Trump’s ceasefire proposal only serves to demonstrate that Putin is not serious about peace.
“If finally comes to the table, then we must be ready to monitor a ceasefire to ensure it is a serious, and enduring peace, if they don’t, then we need to strain every sinew to ramp up economic pressure on to secure an end to this war.
“Putin is trying to delay, saying there must be a painstaking study before a ceasefire can take place, but the world needs to see action, not a study or empty words and pointless conditions.
“My message to the Kremlin could not be clearer: stop the barbaric attacks on , once and for all, and agree to a ceasefire now. Until then we will keep working around the clock to deliver peace.”