TWENTY countries are lined up to join Sir Keir Starmer’s coalition of the willing to protect against further Russian aggression — as Ukraine sets out its plan for peace.
Britain and France are leading efforts to deploy a peacekeeping force with European and Commonwealth troops as part of a post-war settlement.
PATwenty countries are ready to join Sir Keir Starmer’s coalition to defend against Russian aggression, as Ukraine unveils its peace plan[/caption]
GettyPresident Zelensky praised European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, for supporting Ukraine and discussed air defence and ammunition[/caption]
Military representatives from Australia, Turkey and Canada took part in talks on Wednesday, with plans expected to be presented to US President Donald Trump when finalised.
Officials said it was early days in talks on forming what the PM on Sunday dubbed “a coalition of the willing” — but called the discussions a “highly positive step”.
On a visit to Liverpool yesterday, Sir Keir told defence workers: “If there is a deal, we defend the deal.”
But Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov hit back saying it would mean direct involvement from Nato members and could not be allowed.
The UK-backed plan emerged as Volodymyr Zelensky unveiled his proposals for peace and said: “Everyone needs to make sure that Russia, as the sole source of this war, accepts the need to end it.”
The Ukrainian President said any peace deal must be based on a cessation of air and sea attacks.
Military operations on energy or civilian infrastructure and action in the Black Sea must stop, he insisted.
Mr Zelensky added that the release of all prisoners of war could also be used as a means of establishing trust.
He said: “Ukrainians truly want peace but not at the cost of giving up Ukraine.
“The real question for any negotiations is whether Russia is capable of giving up the war.”
Meanwhile, Trump officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will hold talks with Ukraine officials in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
Earlier in Brussels, Mr Zelensky thanked European leaders, including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, for strengthening his country and held talks about air defence and more ammunition.
Backing Europe’s £800billion plan to rearm, he added: “It is important that Ukrainians are not alone.”
Polish President Andrzej Duda called on all Nato countries to raise defence cash to three per cent of GDP straight away.
He said: “We cannot wait until 2030.”
It comes as White House officials held secret talks with opposition leaders in Ukraine.
Four members of Trump’s team spoke to former Ukrainian PM Yulia Tymoshenko on holding swift elections after a peace deal.
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