The British Prime Minister’s recent statement regarding his readiness to deploy troops to Ukraine is very timely and will influence public opinion
This opinion was expressed by Maksym Yakovlyev, Director of the School for Policy Analysis at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, in a commentary to Ukrinform.
“It is very right that Keir Starmer has said he is ready to send troops. Someone has to say it. When Macron first talked about military involvement, there was apprehension. However, when three people raise this issue, it stirs up public discourse and everyone gets used to the idea that it is possible,” the expert said.
Yakovlyev said that the meeting in Paris could have been a spontaneous reaction to the harsh remarks made by US Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference.
“It was aptly stated. Following the Munich conference, something had to be done, and it was impossible to leave everything on the note it ended on. The meeting was unlikely planned in advance, given the criticism of its format. It was rather a spontaneous reaction to what was said in Munich,” the expert noted.
According to the political scientist, the US President Donald Trump’s stance was not new for European politicians, as he had already expressed his demands against them during his first term in office, calling for an increase in defense spending.
“European countries should have invested significantly in their defense long ago. This is an important step in the general revitalization of Europe, and we are monitoring the situation closely,” Yakovlyev stated, adding, “As long as it does not turn out to be a kind of demonstrative puffery.”
According to the expert, European leaders lack an understanding of the number of troops required in Ukraine and their optimal deployment to deter Russian aggression.
“A substantial military presence is necessary. Despite the fact that a full-scale war in Europe has been going on for three years, its countries are very slowly building up their military capabilities,” Yakovlev stated.
As reported, on February 17, French President Emmanuel Macron held an emergency meeting with representatives of Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, Poland and Italy, as well as with NATO and EU leaders. According to some European media outlets, during the event, politicians discussed the possibility of sending a peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine.
On Wednesday, February 19, France plans to hold a second meeting to discuss Ukraine and European security. Media reports indicate that this time European countries that did not participate in the first summit on Monday, as well as NATO ally Canada, have been invited.
Photo: Simon Dawson
Source: Starmer's statement on readiness to deploy troops to Ukraine stirs up public discourse – expert
