Zelensky thanks Starmer for support following talks on deploying troops to Ukraine

Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked Sir Keir Starmer for his support after European allies agreed to step up plans to deploy troops to back up an eventual ceasefire in Ukraine.  

The Prime Minister said Europe is mobilising on a scale not seen for decades as it prepares to provide Kyiv with what it's calling a "reassurance force".

He was speaking after a meeting of European and Nato leaders in Paris.

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The meeting saw Sir Keir update the group of 30 nations, plus Nato and the EU, with the outcomes of a series of military planning talks for a possible peacekeeping force in Ukraine.

Officials and defence chiefs have been holding talks at London's Northwood military headquarters throughout the week, drawing up a strategy to support Kyiv and deter future aggression from Moscow.

The Ukrainian president showed his gratitude to both the UK and France in a post on social media site X.

He also accused Russia of not trying to drag out hostilities and said sanctions against the country must not be lifted.

He said: "Together with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, we discussed the outcomes of the leaders' summit on support for Ukraine and European security, and held a meeting at the British Embassy in Paris.

"It is important that everyone understands – Russia does not seek real peace today and is dragging out the war.

"Following the leaders' meeting today, there is a strong reaffirmation that sanctions against Russia must not be lifted as long as the aggression continues.

"And we will continue working on security guarantees for Ukraine.

"I thank France and the United Kingdom for their leadership in the coalition of the willing and capable – a coalition of strength for the sake of peace.

"Our unity and joint work in Europe, with the United States, and other partners, can force Russia into peace."

The meeting came after a ceasefire was agreed in the Black Sea following US-led talks with both sides in Saudi Arabia.

The Trump administration appeared to signal its intent to ease sanctions on Russian agricultural goods and improve Moscow's access to maritime insurance, ports and payment systems as part of a deal.

But Ukraine and its European allies have firmly pushed back against any suggestion of lifting sanctions, agreeing instead to increase measures to bring Russia to the negotiating table.