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Political reporter Kate Whannel reports that the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has the potential to be a significant step towards peace in the Ukraine conflict, according to Defence Secretary John Healey. He stated that the UK is prepared to deploy troops to Ukraine in order to bolster a ceasefire, if one is reached. Nevertheless, Healey also emphasized that the government is willing to increase economic sanctions and pressure on Putin if he fails to demonstrate seriousness during the summit in Alaska.
Trump, who referred to the upcoming meeting as a “feel-out meeting,” expressed his intention to lay the groundwork for a future discussion between Ukrainian President Zelensky and Putin. Zelensky, on the other hand, has expressed skepticism about Putin’s intentions, labeling him a “bluff.” Trump, however, remains confident that Putin will not act deceptively towards him. He acknowledged that there is a 25% chance the meeting might not yield successful results.
The conflict in Ukraine, which initiated with Russia’s invasion in 2022 resulting in significant casualties, is a focal point for Trump in seeking resolution through negotiations involving territorial concessions from both sides. While Ukraine adamantly opposes ceding territory, Russia seeks to retain control over seized lands such as Crimea and secure assurances against Ukraine’s potential entry into the Nato military alliance. Despite European leaders’ exclusion from the Alaska meeting, they attempted to influence Trump during a joint phone call, reinforcing their support for Ukraine.
Defence Secretary Healey clarified that the UK’s role extends beyond observation, as the country leads a coalition of approximately 30 European nations committed to securing peace in Ukraine. With detailed military planning underway for a ceasefire, over 200 military planners in the coalition are prepared to act promptly in the event of an agreement. Acknowledging the necessity to bolster Ukrainian defenses, Healey affirmed the coalition’s readiness to deploy UK troops in Ukraine to strengthen its position and deter potential Russian aggression. Discussions of potential weapons partnerships and investments in drone production between Zelensky and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer underline the shared commitment to security and cooperation between the two nations
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