LONDON, 21 October (H.S.): UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated that European troops are prepared to deploy to Ukraine to secure a potential peace agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Healey confirmed on Monday that if a ceasefire is agreed upon during the leaders' upcoming meeting in Budapest, a multinational force would be ready to help enforce it.The plan involves a coalition of the willing, an alliance of 26 European nations, which has been developing detailed strategies for a post-ceasefire scenario.
Healey revealed that over 200 military planners have been working for the past six months to prepare for a deployment, which would see UK troops joining forces to secure Ukraine's border. He emphasized, however, that any final peace terms must be decided by the Ukrainian people. The UK government anticipates spending over £100 million on this potential deployment.
Healey's remarks come amid shifting diplomatic currents. After a shouting match was reported during a recent White House meeting, where Trump allegedly pushed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to concede territory, European leaders have expressed concern.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk cautioned against appeasement, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb asserted that only Ukrainians can decide on land issues.The planned Trump-Putin summit in Budapest, a location chosen due to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's good relations with both leaders, has also drawn criticism.
The meeting would mark Putin's first time on EU soil since the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest on war crimes charges. Zelensky, who was not invited to the summit, has stated he is ready to join the talks.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
