UK Pressures US for Enhanced Security Guarantees in Ukraine
As a ceasefire agreement between Moscow and Kyiv appears to be within reach, Britain is intensifying its discussions with the United States regarding a robust “backstop” to ensure the safety of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. Labour leader Keir Starmer expressed confidence that former President Donald Trump would be supportive if UK soldiers deployed in Ukraine faced hostile actions from Russian troops. Starmer emphasized that Trump has made it clear that the US remains committed to Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which stipulates that an attack on one member state is tantamount to an attack on all member states.
However, British officials believe that the US security assurances need to extend beyond this NATO commitment. They have formally requested that peacekeeping forces receive comprehensive air and surveillance support from Washington.
The UK Defence Secretary, John Healey, arrived in Washington late Wednesday to engage in discussions with his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth, scheduled for Thursday. Healey is expected to advocate for substantial security guarantees while also appealing for a resumption of military aid to Ukraine.
Starmer noted that Trump, with whom he has held three conversations since his recent visit to Washington, has agreed to a collaborative effort between US and UK negotiating teams to establish security guarantees. This initiative is part of a significant international diplomatic effort aimed at crafting a peace plan that would be acceptable to both parties involved in the conflict, as well as to Trump.
In a recent move perceived as an attempt to pressure Ukraine into signing a peace agreement, the US administration has curtailed intelligence sharing with Kyiv. This decision is anticipated to hinder Ukraine’s military operations, particularly its effective use of drones throughout the three-year conflict. Downing Street has indicated that the UK remains poised to provide intelligence support to Ukrainian frontlines, despite the US decision.
While the government has refrained from commenting on matters of intelligence, Starmer’s official spokesman reiterated that the UK remains committed to strengthening Ukraine’s position in all aspects of support, notably in defense and security. However, it is likely that the US will retain input on how its intelligence is utilized.
There is optimism that both military assistance and intelligence sharing could resume promptly, contingent upon Ukraine’s willingness to finalize a peace agreement. Reports from French media have suggested that Starmer, alongside Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, may travel to Washington next week to present the peace plan to Trump. However, No. 10 Downing Street has stated that there are currently “no plans” for such a visit, although it is probable that if a deal is imminent, the trip will proceed.
Ukraine has announced that it will be meeting with US officials shortly. Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, stated that he and US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz discussed the next steps toward a just and lasting peace during a call on Wednesday. Yermak mentioned on social media that they also exchanged views on security matters and organized a meeting of Ukrainian and US officials in the near future to continue this critical dialogue.
During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Starmer asserted the necessity of collaborating with the US, Europe, and Ukraine, stressing that any potential agreement must include adequate security guarantees. When asked whether the UK believes Trump’s endorsement of Article 5 suffices as a security guarantee, his spokesman noted that “conversations are ongoing” and that the UK is “engaging at all levels.” The spokesman added that the Prime Minister has consistently emphasized the importance of security guarantees, including US support, as crucial for achieving a secure and lasting peace.
Waltz remarked that Zelensky is prepared to negotiate a genuine and permanent peace, hinting at a reconciliation between the Ukrainian president and Trump. Meanwhile, a senior MP revealed that the UK Government is more favorable than anticipated regarding the potential to assist Ukraine by seizing frozen Russian assets, though Belgium, where most of these assets are held, opposes such actions. Nevertheless, a heated legal debate is ongoing, fueled by concerns that UK assets could be targeted by other nations if the UK were to join the US in military interventions.
The MP argued that if the US-led peace initiative falters, Europe should consider using frozen assets. “The risk of Putin prevailing in Ukraine outweighs the concern over potential seizures of UK assets,” the MP asserted. On Tuesday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves reaffirmed that “all options” are being evaluated after former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak urged the Government to aid Ukraine by seizing frozen Russian assets.
