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Former UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has voiced support for inviting Ukraine to join NATO and for London’s participation in a potential allied military contingent being discussed as part of security guarantees for Ukraine.
This was reported by The Telegraph.
Shapps, who led the Ministry of Defence in the last Conservative government before the Labour Party took power, stated that Britain’s involvement in a Western partners’ contingent is the bare minimum Ukraine needs.
“British military participation in post-war peacekeeping forces would, of course, be good, but that is merely the minimum Ukraine truly requires. Ukraine is fighting not only for its survival but also for the values of freedom and sovereignty, which are cornerstones of global security.
The UK has been among the leaders in supporting Ukraine against Putin’s barbaric and unlawful invasion. Now we must take the lead in offering Ukraine a clear and concrete path to NATO membership. Anything less would betray Ukraine’s courageous resistance and the principles we claim to uphold,” Shapps said.
He also criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for not yet visiting Ukraine since assuming office.
Support for the Initiative from Gavin Williamson
Former Defence Secretary Sir Gavin Williamson, who served in Theresa May’s government from 2017-2019, expressed strong support for the UK’s involvement in a potential Western contingent.
“Of course, everyone wants to see peace restored in Ukraine and ensure that it aligns with Ukraine’s interests. But peace and security in Ukraine must be backed by tangible, ‘physical’ commitments,” Williamson said.
He pointed out that past agreements between Ukraine and Russia, such as the Minsk Accords, ultimately led to a full-scale Russian invasion, emphasizing the need for reliable international guarantees.
“It is absolutely essential that Ukraine’s security is reinforced by others—whether within NATO or by countries like Britain that are reliable partners,” Williamson added.
Starmer’s Upcoming Visit to Ukraine
Reports indicate that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to visit Ukraine soon, with discussions expected to include French President Emmanuel Macron’s idea of a Western military contingent in Ukraine as part of security guarantees.
Last week, Macron and Starmer met at the UK Prime Minister’s countryside residence, where Ukraine was reportedly the central topic of their discussions.
At the opening of the meeting at the U.S. Ramstein Air Base in Germany on January 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the deployment of foreign contingents in Ukraine one of the best tools to pressure Russia into peace.
Read also: About 300 DPRK soldiers killed, 2,700 wounded in war against Ukraine – South Korean intel
