**UK Ready to Send Troops to Ukraine, Says Prime Minister**
The UK is prepared to send its troops to Ukraine as part of a plan to secure a lasting peace in the country. This was announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a press conference with US President Donald Trump in Washington.
Starmer said that he and Trump had discussed a plan to reach a just peace that would be backed by strength to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin from coming back for more. He added that history must be on the side of the peacemaker, not the invader.
The UK is planning to work with other European leaders to deploy a small European-led peacekeeping force of up to 30,000 soldiers. This is less than the 100,000-150,000 soldiers previously suggested by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as needed to deter Russia.
Starmer’s announcement comes ahead of Zelensky’s visit to Washington, where he will sign a minerals agreement with the US. The UK and France are considering deploying troops to support this deal.
**International Response**
The international community is still cautious about sending troops to Ukraine, citing concerns over escalation and limited military resources. However, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has announced that alliance members are ramping up their defense investments and preparing additional financial support for Ukraine.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Fox Business that the deal between Russia and Ukraine was complete and on paper. He added that President Zelensky would have a wide-ranging discussion with President Trump tomorrow.
**Russia’s Response**
Meanwhile, Russian forces suffered 1,060 casualties in just one day over the past week. The US has ruled out sending its own troops to support Ukraine but is open to expanding economic cooperation with Russia once a peace deal is reached.
Turkish imports of Russian oil plummeted in February due to sanctions imposed by the US and UK on Russia’s oil sector.