Why it matters:
Given the ongoing tensions between Kyiv and Moscow, British efforts to strengthen its military presence in Ukraine could affect the peace talks.
The big picture:
Following eight hours of talks between the U.S. and Ukraine on Tuesday, March 11, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposal with Russia, conditional on Russia's simultaneous acceptance.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also announced that he will accept the 30-day ceasefire proposal with Ukraine, but on the condition that it leads to a lasting peace.
What he's saying:
British PM Keir Starmer, speaking to British media after a virtual meeting with 29 heads of state and officials from NATO and the European Union, stated: "We are committed to establishing the Armed Forces of Ukraine and standing prepared to mobilize as a "coalition of the willing" following a peace agreement, to ensure Ukraine's security across land, sea, and air."
Key points:
- A comprehensive 30-day ceasefire would extend beyond halting the use of missiles, drones, and bombs in the Black Sea, encompassing the entire front line of the conflict.
- The agreement includes the resumption of U.S. intelligence and security assistance to Ukraine.
- The talks in Jeddah also included an agreement on the U.S. exploitation of Ukraine’s vital mineral resources.
Zoon in:
Britain's desire to participate in Ukrainian peace talks is complicated by Russia's strong opposition, which views London's involvement as detrimental to a lasting resolution.
Any negotiations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine will be doomed to failure if Britain's intervention is not excluded; otherwise, they are doomed to failure, Sergey Mironov, head of 'A Just Russia - For Truth' faction in the Duma has said.
Go deeper:
Some analysts believe that the U.K.'s efforts to deploy forces in Ukraine may be driven by the country's economic and resource-rich interests, while the current U.S. administration is also seeking to repatriate its investments from Ukraine.
Ashkan Salehian
