Starmer warns Putin will breach Ukraine peace deal without defense

In the United Kingdom, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed concerns about the potential for Vladimir Putin to breach any peace agreement concerning Ukraine. This statement came following a meeting held at the Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, London, which involved military leaders from over 30 countries. The purpose of the meeting was to transition from political discussions to practical military planning aimed at ensuring Ukraine's security as part of any potential peace deal. Starmer highlighted the necessity of having clear security arrangements in place to provide assurance against breaches, making it evident that the agreement would only be reliable with an international coalition's backing. During the discussions, emphasis was placed on preparing a detailed plan for troop deployments in Ukraine, focused on providing military support that would dissuade Russia from any aggressive actions. UK Defence Secretary John Healey, who attended the military leaders' meeting, noted that specifics regarding troop numbers were yet to be finalized as conversations continued on the structure of the defense initiative. Proposals included offering British Typhoon jets to cover Ukraine's airspace and detailed logistics on how coalition forces could work in tandem to support the defense of Ukraine. The dialogue regarding peace was underscored by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's remarks on the urgency of ceasing unnecessary demands from Russia, which hinder the progress toward a ceasefire. With ongoing conflict resulting in casualties and destruction, including a reported drone attack in Odesa, the situation remains tense. The anticipation for a ceasefire has prompted US negotiators to engage with both Ukrainian and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, aiming to mediate a resolution. Yet, there are concerns regarding the efficacy of international efforts to secure peace before conflict escalates further. Special Envoy to Ukraine and Russia, Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, stressed the importance of building Ukraine into a 'steel porcupine' post-ceasefire, underscoring that much of this development falls on European nations due to their geographic proximity and interest in regional stability. He expressed confidence that once peace is established, deterrent measures must remain in place to prevent Putin from breaching agreements, affirming that both sides are currently wary of re-engaging in conflict for the foreseeable future. The ongoing dialogues among world leaders reflect a keen understanding of the complexities of security in the region, particularly as they relate to anti-Russian defense strategies.