SIR Keir Starmer said “nothing is off the table” as he confirmed discussions over deploying British troops to police a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
The PM admitted the European peacekeepers plan – first proposed by the French – was raised during talks with President Zelensky in Kyiv today.
AFPSir Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelensky held talks as they signed the 100-year deal[/caption]
AFPKeir Starmer pictured at The Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine[/caption]
A Russia strike hit Kyiv just moments after the PM laid a wreath at The Wall of Remembrance
And he insisted Britain would “play our full part” in securing a “lasting and just peace” adding “strength must be more than words.”
The plan could see hundreds of British and French boots on the ground patrolling a newly negotiated border between Russia and Ukraine after three years of bloody war.
But the PM warned history taught us that aggression cannot be rewarded, and Russia must not be allowed to get away with its aggressive raid on Ukraine.
He added: “The history of the 21st century is being written today.”
But the hero Ukrainian leader said European troops could only ever be “a segment” of the security guarantees required against future Russian attacks as he doubled down on his pleas to join NATO.
Flanked by Starmer, President Zelensky said “if not now when” – but the PM stopped short of naming a date for Ukrainian accession to the alliance.
The President also hit out at America, Slovakia, Hungary and Germany as not wanting Ukraine to join in a notably barbed attack.
However, he insisted there could be no viable guarantee for Ukraine’s safety without support from the United States.
Sir Keir added that troops “were an issue we are all discussing but it must be capable of deterring future aggression, that is the test.”
The pair were talking to reporters at the Mariinsky Palace in central Kyiv shortly after a Russian blasted out of the sky nearby after an audacious attack during the PM’s visit.
Addressing boots on the ground, Zelensky said: “It is too early to speak about details, but we are discussing it with countries that are either willing to do it and capable of doing it.
“But sometimes goodwill is not enough.
“We need to talk about what format of security guarantees… It can only be a segment, only a part.”
And acknowledging the potential upheaval of Donald Trump’s return to the White House, added: “There is no security for Ukraine without the USA, that’s why it is too early to talk details as we have not had detailed discussions about security guarantees with the new Americans.”
But the PM did not rule out British engagement, saying: “Let me be really clear, when I say we will work with you and all of our allies on steps that would be robust enough to guarantee lasting peace and security.
“Those conversations will continue for many months ahead and we are happy to play our part in leading those conversations with you and allies.”
He added: “It’s really important that Ukraine is put in the strongest possible position.
“Peace through strength must be more than words, it has to be actions.
“We will play our part in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security.”
The Ukrainian President shaking hands with Sir Keir
‘UNBREAKABLE BOND’
It comes as the PM arrived at Kyiv train station this morning to sign a historic 100-year deal.
The PM was pictured arriving at Kyiv train station this morning to rubber-stamp the pact ahead of potential peace talks between Kyiv and Russia.
But his main focus will be on the 100-year Partnership to rebuild Ukraine with the aid of British firms and private sector loans.
Sir Keir said there are “unbreakable bonds” between the UK and Ukraine.
The UK is the “preferred partner” for the Kyiv government to rebuild its crippled energy system as well as mine critical minerals and produce greener steel.
The deal will also see coordination in policing the Baltic Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea from Russia, as well as developing drone and space tech together.
The UK has so far provided £12.8billion in support to Ukraine, including £7.8billion of military assistance.
GettyThe PM is greeted by Ukrainian officials and the British ambassador to Ukraine Martin Harris, right, in Ukraine[/caption]
APKeir Starmer being briefed by his unidentified military assistant[/caption]
KEIR BLITZ
Russia struck Kyiv with a drone during Sir Keir’s visit to the Ukrainian capital.
Air raid sirens sounded alongside reports of a loud explosion, with debris hitting a car just minutes after the PM had laid a wreath with President Zelensky at the Wall of Memorial in the city centre.
The leaders were discussing security guarantees for Ukraine inside the palace, as air defences shot down the Russian craft.
The PM said the attack during his visit had made the war “real” for him.
Zelensky vowed to hit back at Russia and warned “we will say hello to them too” after the unmanned aircraft was shot down after being spotted near the Mariinsky Palace.
President Zelensky acknowledged the sound of sirens as the pair addressed journalists shortly after the drone was downed nearby.
Reacting to the Russian action, Sir Keir said: “In relation to the drone attack today, it is a reminder to all of us to what Ukrainians are facing every day.”
He added: “It makes it real for us, but it is an everyday threat that Ukraine is facing, that if I may so, with incredible resolve and determination as you saw in response to events today and on other occasions.”
He went on: “To me, that drone attack is just really a reminder of what Ukraine is facing every day and a reminder this war is brought around by Russian aggression.”
ReutersThe PM was pictured near a damaged vehicle during his visit in Kyiv[/caption]
GettySir Keir met with an injured Ukrainian service member today[/caption]
Zelensky has previously told how he wants to join Nato and have allies send peacekeepers to the country if fighting stops to patrol the current frontline, which could become a buffer zone.
The war-time leader said he will discuss his hopes for security guarantees to deter future attacks with Sir Keir.
Sir Keir said: “Putin’s ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure.
“Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level.”
Sir Keir visited wounded Ukrainians at a Kyiv hospital today, specialising in treating burns.
The Sun today revealed NHS doctors and nurses are being secretly deployed to Ukraine to help save victims of Putin’s missiles with up to 80 per cent burns.
