Future peacekeeping in Ukraine tied to military capacity, post-truce needs: UK premier

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Saturday that boosting the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is essential, and that any potential international peacekeeping presence in Ukraine would depend on the country’s needs following a ceasefire.

Speaking at a joint press conference of the Coalition of the Willing leaders in Kyiv, Starmer emphasized the “indisputable need” to enhance Ukraine’s military strength.

“Ukraine has a very large army that has been built up over the last three years. We need to expand its capabilities and strengthen them further,” he is quoted as saying by Interfax-Ukraine.

He added that military planning involves four aspects, starting with the build-up of Ukrainian capabilities.

“There is variability in the sea, air and land contingents because we are not yet in a ceasefire,” Starmer said.

“We are also thinking about what the (peacekeeping) mandate will be—it depends on the capabilities that will be needed,” he added.