UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer honored British troops who fell in Afghanistan and Iraq, subtly rebuffing US Vice President JD Vance’s criticisms of a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine. During a parliamentary address, Starmer paid tribute to fallen soldiers and emphasized their bravery. Meanwhile, Vance’s remarks ignited controversy in Europe over military support, as both Starmer and French President Macron expressed readiness to deploy peacekeepers contingent on US support.

In a recent statement, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer honored the sacrifices of British troops who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq, implicitly challenging US Vice President JD Vance’s critical comments regarding the formation of a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine. Starmer expressed his respect for the courageous service of all British soldiers, particularly commemorating six soldiers who lost their lives during an explosive incident in Afghanistan, marking thirteen years since their sacrifice.

During his address to the House of Commons, Starmer remarked, “These men fought and died for their country, our country,” and highlighted that 642 British service members perished alongside their allies in these conflicts, with many others sustaining injuries. He emphasized the importance of remembering their acts of bravery and commitment.

Vance recently stated in a Fox News interview that an economic agreement with Ukraine proposed by former President Donald Trump serves as a superior security assurance compared to sending 20,000 troops from a nation that has not engaged in warfare for decades. Although Vance later clarified that he did not specify any country in his statements, his comments sparked outrage, particularly within the UK and France.

British forces collaborated with the US during military operations following the September 11, 2001 attacks, while French troops participated in Afghanistan but not during the Iraq war. Both Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed readiness to deploy peacekeeping troops to Ukraine following a peace agreement, contingent upon additional support from the US. As of now, no other nations have committed to contributing troops to such a mission.

Furthermore, Trump has refrained from providing a US security guarantee and, like Vance, posits that an economic agreement with Ukraine suffices to deter future aggression from Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a recent address to Congress, Trump seemed to moderate his stance towards Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky after an intense Oval Office meeting that culminated in the cancellation of a minerals deal.

Starmer reiterated his commitment to fostering cooperation between the US and Europe to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine, amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts. Vance’s remarks coincided with a statement from a White House official that announced a pause in US assistance to Ukraine, as negotiations to conclude the ongoing conflict initiated in February 2022 were contemplated.

In summary, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s commendation for British troops serves as a poignant reminder of their sacrifices in conflicts where they worked alongside allies. His remarks challenge recent comments made by US Vice President JD Vance, who has questioned the efficacy of a European peacekeeping force. Amidst a backdrop of diplomatic discussions, both Starmer and Macron are prepared to support peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine with requisite US backing, while also addressing the fluctuating nature of US commitments to Ukraine.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com

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