U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised fallen British troops while indirectly rebuking U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s views on military deployments and security guarantees involving Ukraine. Starmer noted the sacrifices made by British soldiers in recent conflicts and emphasized the need for U.S.-European collaboration for peace, which remains a top priority given the ongoing war in Ukraine.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer commended the sacrifices of British troops in Afghanistan and Iraq during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, implicitly targeting U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s recent comments about the value of military involvement. Starmer paid tribute to six British soldiers who perished in an explosion in Afghanistan, marking the 13th anniversary of their deaths, asserting their bravery and contribution to their country.
Starmer emphasized, “These men fought and died for their country, our country,” while noting that a total of 642 British soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice alongside allies in both wars. He carefully acknowledged their valor without naming Vance directly but implied a disagreement with Vance’s stance on military commitments.
In an interview, Vance had expressed skepticism regarding a European peacekeeping force, suggesting that a proposed economic pact with Ukraine would serve as a more effective security guarantee than troops from nations that have not engaged in conflict for decades. This remark has drawn criticism, especially from Britain and France.
Both Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron indicated their readiness to send troops for peacekeeping in Ukraine following a peace agreement, contingent on support from the United States, despite no other countries confirming troop contributions. Meanwhile, President Trump has indicated that a deal involving U.S. resources without troop deployment may suffice for Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
Starmer asserted his commitment to fostering cooperation between the U.S. and Europe for lasting peace in Ukraine, underscoring the importance of collaboration in addressing security matters in the region. This follows recent tensions in U.S.-Ukrainian relations, particularly regarding military assistance.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s tribute to British soldiers serves both as a memorial and a gentle rebuke to U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s remarks on military involvement in Ukraine. The UK and France are prepared to contribute to peacekeeping efforts, though they seek U.S. support. This situation highlights the complex interplay between military diplomacy and political rhetoric, especially amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
