European Security
What is Keir Starmer's position on deploying British troops to Ukraine?
Keir Starmer has stated he would be prepared to deploy British troops on the ground in Ukraine alongside other countries, but only to ensure a lasting peace after a ceasefire is achieved. This commitment demonstrates the UK's support for Ukraine while attempting to bridge the divide between the US and Europe. A YouGov survey indicated that just over half of the British public supports this approach, with only about 20% opposed to it. However, questions remain about whether the UK military has sufficient personnel and funding for such a deployment given current constraints on defence spending.
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BBC News
05:38 - 07:16
What are President Zelensky's concerns about the Trump administration's approach to peace talks with Russia?
President Zelensky believes the Trump administration is pursuing a quick peace deal with Russia to please the Kremlin, rather than seeking a true ceasefire or victory for Ukraine. He has expressed concerns that Ukraine might be forced to make significant concessions regarding territory and NATO ambitions without adequate Ukrainian involvement in the negotiations. The key worry is what the outcome would look like, as discussions that could shape Ukraine's future are taking place behind closed doors. Despite American assurances that Ukraine will be involved in the process, Zelensky fears being excluded from critical decisions, especially as talks appear to be moving toward a summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Zelensky has firmly stated he won't agree to any deal without Ukraine's direct participation.
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BBC News
00:00 - 02:22
What concerns do European leaders have about potential ceasefire negotiations with Russia?
European leaders are deeply concerned about rushing into a hasty ceasefire deal with Russia. They fear repeating the mistakes of the 2014 Minsk agreement, which ultimately proved disastrous by allowing Russia to buy time before launching a full invasion. Emmanuel Macron specifically warned against this parallel. European nations are divided on whether to deploy peacekeepers, with Britain open to the idea while others remain cautious. There's significant worry that the Trump administration's eagerness for a quick agreement with Putin could lead to an unsustainable peace arrangement that fails to protect Ukraine's long-term security interests.
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BBC News
03:00 - 04:46
What would a US backstop for UK troops in Ukraine likely involve?
While Keir Starmer avoided providing specific details, his allies have suggested that a US backstop would likely include air support, logistics assistance, and intelligence capabilities. These are resources that the UK lacks in sufficient quantities to maintain peace independently. The backstop represents essential US contributions that would complement British troops in any potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. This US support is considered crucial for the effectiveness and sustainability of any peace agreement that might be achieved in the conflict.
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BBC News
04:55 - 05:38
What are President Zelensky's concerns about the US-Russia negotiations?
President Zelensky insists that Ukraine must be directly involved in any negotiations about its future, stating he will not agree to anything without Ukraine's presence at the talks. His concerns stem from the apparent direction of discussions, which seem to be leading toward a summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin without adequate Ukrainian representation. Zelensky is particularly worried about Russia's maximalist demands requiring Ukraine to make territorial concessions and abandon its NATO ambitions. Despite American assurances of Ukraine's involvement, Zelensky remains concerned that decisions affecting Ukraine's sovereignty could be made without sufficient Ukrainian input.
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BBC News
01:36 - 02:22
What concerns do European leaders have about Trump's negotiation strategy for the Ukraine-Russia conflict?
European leaders, particularly Emmanuel Macron, express deep concern that the Trump administration's approach of rushing into a quick deal with Putin could lead to a repeat of the failed Minsk agreement from 2014. The Minsk agreement, which attempted to stop fighting in eastern Ukraine after Russia's first invasion, was ultimately a disaster that allowed Russia to buy time before launching a full invasion. There are fears that a hastily negotiated settlement would result in another stalled, paused, or frozen conflict that might only temporarily halt hostilities. European leaders worry this approach could lead to a renewal of war in the months or years to come rather than establishing a sustainable peace for Ukraine.
Watch clip answer (01:01m)
BBC News
03:53 - 04:55