UK and Allies Pledge Support to Ukraine Ahead of Peace Talks
The UK and its allies have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine before and after peace negotiations, according to the UK defence secretary, John Healey. Speaking in Kyiv on the eve of a top-level meeting in Paris, Healey emphasized that Ukraine's allies would "help make the skies safe, to make the seas safe, and to secure the land" once a peace deal has been struck.
The pledge comes as Russia's President Vladimir Putin conveyed a defiant message from China, vowing that his full-scale invasion of Ukraine could continue. However, Healey suggested there was "bluster in Putin's words," insisting that Russia is under pressure. According to Healey, the UK and its allies are ready to provide support to Ukraine before negotiations begin, as well as after a peace deal has been reached.
The Paris meeting on Thursday will bring together top officials from the US, France, Germany, and other countries to discuss ways to end the conflict in Ukraine. The talks follow months of intense fighting between Ukrainian forces and Russian troops, which have resulted in significant human suffering and widespread destruction.
According to a statement released by the UK Ministry of Defence, the UK has already provided extensive support to Ukraine, including military aid and economic assistance. Healey's comments suggest that this support will continue even after a peace deal is reached.
The situation on the ground remains tense, with both sides trading accusations and counter-accusations. Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of violating ceasefire agreements, while Russian forces claim they are fighting against Ukrainian "terrorists." The conflict has also had significant humanitarian implications, with thousands of civilians displaced or injured.
In a statement to the BBC, Healey emphasized that Ukraine's allies will continue to support the country until a lasting peace is achieved. "We're not just talking about supporting Ukraine before negotiations begin," he said. "We're talking about supporting them after a deal has been struck, to help them rebuild and recover from this devastating conflict."
The UK defence secretary's comments were echoed by other officials, who emphasized that the international community remains committed to supporting Ukraine. According to a spokesperson for the US Department of State, the US will continue to provide support to Ukraine "as long as necessary" to achieve a lasting peace.
As the Paris talks get underway, diplomats and officials are urging caution and patience. The road ahead is expected to be long and difficult, but with the UK and its allies committed to supporting Ukraine, there may be hope for a resolution to this devastating conflict.
Attribution:
According to BBC World: "Allies ready to support Ukraine before and after peace deal, says UK"
According to BREAKING: BBC Breaking: "DEVELOPING: UK and allies ready to back Ukraine before and after peace deal"
Statement from the UK Ministry of Defence
Interview with John Healey by the BBC
Spokesperson for the US Department of State
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and BREAKING: BBC Breaking.
