We will not send troops to Ukraine now - UK Foreign Office
Kyiv • UNN
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said that the country would not send troops to Ukraine. At the same time, France does not rule out such a possibility, as stated by Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said that his country is not considering sending troops to Ukraine "at the moment". UNN writes about this with reference to Politico.
Details
On Monday, Le Monde newspaper reported that following the visit of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to France, the two countries have begun discussing the initiative to send troops to Ukraine again.
However, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized that the country would adhere to its "long-standing commitment" not to send troops into the combat zone.
We are clear that we are ready and continue to support the Ukrainians, including through training, but we have a long-standing position that we do not send British troops to the theater of operations. That is certainly the UK's position, and it remains so now
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said in an interview with the BBC over the weekend that he does not rule out the possibility of sending French troops to Ukraine to take part in combat operations if the need arises.
This statement confirmed the words of French President Emmanuel Macron made earlier this year.
"We are not ruling out any option," Barro emphasized.
On Monday, Downing Street again denied the possibility of sending British troops to Ukraine.
Commenting on the Le Monde article, Prime Minister's spokesman Keir Starmer told reporters that there are no such plans. When asked about the possibility of ruling out the participation of British troops in the fighting, he replied: "Yes, in addition to what has already been mentioned about medical assistance and presence around the embassy. We do not plan to involve troops in combat alongside Ukrainian troops."
He also added that he was not aware of any discussions between Starmer and Macron on this issue.
Recall
Le Monde reportedthat amid the escalation of the war in Ukraine, discussions about sending Western troops and private defense companies to Ukraine have resumed.
It was noted that these discussions were resumed due to the possible withdrawal of America's support for Kyiv after Donald Trump takes office on January 20, 2025.