Ukraine War BREAKING NEWS: Starmer Commits UK Peace-Keeping Troops to Ukraine
Table of Contents 📖
"I no longer see the US as an ally of Ukraine."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:21⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to another ATP Geopolitics video. The big breaking news is that UK Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer has pledged to commit UK troops to a peace-keeping force in Ukraine.
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Keir Starmer's announcement
🎦 00:21-01:12⏩
Jonathan believes this is big news and supports Starmer's decision. He explains that the deployment of UK troops wouldn't be immediate and relates to a future peacekeeping force after a ceasefire or peace agreement is in place. Choosing to announce the pledge in right-wing newspaper The Daily Telegraph was a politically astute move by the centre-left leader. Jonathan believes that Starmer's move is a calculated one as providing a peacekeeping force in Ukraine will ultimately be an inevitability that most European nations will have to contribute towards. By making the announcement now, the UK will benefit from positive PR and it allows Starmer to get ahead of other European nations.
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The UK: A bridge between the US and Europe
🎦 01:12-02:04⏩
Jonathan goes on to discuss an article in which a UK minister has suggested that Britain is in a good position to be a bridge between Europe and the US. The article suggests that the UK will not be giving up on persuading the US to allow Ukraine to join NATO.
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UK's position on Ukraine
🎦 02:04-03:38⏩
Jonathan observes that the UK has positioned itself strongly in support of Ukraine and that this is a good thing. He notes that the UK has pledged to increase defence spending. He also mentions two contradictory articles about whether the Chancellor or the Shadow Chancellor's spending plans will win out. Returning to the Keir Starmer article, Jonathan highlights Starmer's acknowledgment that Europe must increase its defence spending. Starmer asserts that Europe has been talking about increasing defence spending for too long, echoing a common demand from the US, particularly the Trump administration.
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US Demands for Europe to increase Defence Spending
🎦 03:38-05:50⏩
Jonathan picks up on the point that Starmer made in his article about the US demanding that Europe increase its defence spending. He acknowledges that some quarters are now reluctantly agreeing with Trump and the US but reaffirms his previously stated position about the long-term benefit to the US of such a move. He notes an interesting dynamic with European leaders reluctant to publicly disagree with Trump and instead agreeing with his point.
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Keir Starmer's Daily Telegraph article
🎦 05:50-08:52⏩
Jonathan summarises the key points of the Keir Starmer article. Starmer says that European nations need to take on a greater role in NATO. He points to the fact that non-US NATO members have increased defence spending by 20% in the past year. With Russia still at war and Ukraine fighting for its freedom, Starmer says that it is critical to provide Ukraine with what it needs. Starmer says that the UK has committed to £3billion per year until 2030 to support Ukraine. Importantly he says that the UK is ready and willing to contribute to Ukrainian security guarantees, including "boots on the ground" if necessary.
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Jonathan's analysis of Starmer's article
🎦 08:52-12:54⏩
Jonathan analyses the content of the article, agreeing that Starmer is right to point out that there will be dangers and potential loss of life for UK service personnel if they are deployed as part of a peace-keeping force in Ukraine. He notes the dangers posed by mines and other hazards. Jonathan agrees with Starmer's position that the security of Ukraine is the security of Europe and also Britain. He also agrees with Starmer's view that the US security guarantee will be critical for lasting peace in the region because "only the US can deter Putin from attacking again". He points out an apparent disconnect with Keir Starmer saying that he will meet with President Trump in the coming days to discuss this and Trump's response which was to say that he wasn't sure what they would be talking about. Jonathan analyses this by saying that Starmer wants to keep Ukraine on the agenda and Trump is not really bothered (Jonathan's words: "I don't really care"). He observes that Starmer appears to be going against the US position on Ukraine by calling for Ukraine to be at the heart of the negotiations. Jonathan thinks that this is a "very well-constructed" article by Keir Starmer because it hits all the right notes and because it sends a message to the US administration.
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The Importance of Sanctions
🎦 12:54-13:03⏩
Jonathan stresses the importance of continued economic pressure on Putin, highlighting the impact on Russia's economy and energy revenues.
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Jonathan's Verdict on Starmer's article
🎦 13:03-14:13⏩
Jonathan shares his personal view that Starmer's stance is savvy, positioning himself ahead of the curve and addressing crucial aspects of the situation effectively. Jonathan reiterates that he doesn't usually support the Labour Party, clarifying that he's centre-left and generally votes against the Conservatives. However, he believes Starmer has demonstrated political acumen, positioning himself well and making appropriate statements in the article. Jonathan is pleased with this development from a UK perspective and believes it's a calculated move as providing peacekeeping troops is inevitable. Starmer's early announcement allows him to receive recognition for being the first to make this commitment.
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Peacekeeping: A consequence of successful negotiations
🎦 14:13-14:35⏩
Jonathan emphasises that deploying peacekeeping forces is contingent upon successful negotiations between Zelenskyy and Putin. He states that deploying peacekeeping forces indicates that the hard work of negotiation should have already been completed.
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The urgency of a ceasefire
🎦 14:35-16:00⏩
Jonathan expresses frustration that a rushed ceasefire would cost Ukrainian lives. He disagrees with Trump's call for a ceasefire by Easter, believing it benefits Russia more than Ukraine. He highlights that while Russia appears to be struggling militarily, Ukraine continues to strike Russian targets.
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Jonathan's Concerns and Outlook
🎦 16:00-17:02⏩
Jonathan is concerned that a ceasefire now, as Ukraine receives new weapons and implements new strategies, would be advantageous for Russia. He speculates that this might be part of Trump's rationale, as he perceives Trump to be pro-Russia. Jonathan believes that if Ukraine can maintain the war effort for another 6-8 months with continued sanctions and aid, they will be in a stronger position both militarily and in negotiations. He encourages viewers to consider his points and share their thoughts and concludes the video.
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