In call with Zelenskyy, Starmer reaffirms UK readiness to deploy troops to Ukraine 'in event of hostilities ceasing'

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday held a phone call with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reiterated Britain’s willingness to “put boots on the ground” in Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire.

According to a Guardian report, citing Downing Street, the leaders discussed ongoing preparations by the “coalition of the willing” to deploy a multinational force to Ukraine once hostilities end.

The UK remains ready to provide support to protect Kyiv if a cessation of fighting occurs, a Downing Street spokesperson confirmed, added the report, citing the PA news agency.

In a readout of the call, Downing Street said the prime minister expressed condolences to Zelenskyy over overnight Russian attacks and praised the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people amid continued bloodshed.

“The prime minister began by sharing his condolences with President Zelenskyy on the appalling Russian attacks overnight, paying tribute to the Ukrainian people who showed such courage and resilience in the face of daily hardship and bloodshed from Putin’s ongoing onslaught,” The Guardian quoted from the read out.

The two leaders also reflected on recent diplomatic efforts, including talks in Geneva, stressing the importance of securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. Starmer assured Zelenskyy that Ukraine could continue to rely on UK support as international discussions progress.

“The prime minister said Ukraine could rely on the UK support as discussions continued. Looking ahead to this afternoon’s coalition of the willing call, the leaders discussed the international unity that has been shown in support for Ukraine and underlined the importance of the continued work by coalition partners in preparation for deployment for multinational force following the cessation of hostilities,” added the read out.

The call concluded with both leaders expressing their intention to speak again in the near future.

Russia has rejected any potential foreign military deployment in Ukraine, calling it “unacceptable”.

With inputs from agencies