The NYT has learned about the plans of Britain and Europe to prepare measures to deter Russia

Britain has called on European countries to develop a plan to contain Russia if it signs a peace agreement with Ukraine. This was announced on March 23 by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in an interview with The New York Times (NYT) newspaper.

It is noted that this decision was made against the background of the fact that European states cannot stand idly by concluding a deal between Moscow and Kiev, as well as agree to its terms without certain discussions.

"We can't wait for the deal and say 'OK,' and then scratch our heads," says Starmer.

At the same time, according to him, without "reliable mechanisms" of security, any peace agreement will make Ukraine vulnerable in the conflict with Russia.

Starmer also expressed the opinion that Europe should take part in ensuring the security of the Ukrainian territory. However, the Prime Minister clarified that while there has not been a peaceful settlement, the deterrence mission is in its "infancy."

He parroted and stopped: Europe is changing its strategy in the Ukrainian crisis

The White House leaves no choice for Kiev's allies

Earlier, on March 16, The Times newspaper reported that Ukraine's allies want to send over 10,000 peacekeepers to the country. Unnamed senior sources in the British government said that Starmer had secured the support of a significantly larger number of states willing to provide ground troops.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on March 13 that Europe was planning to send peacekeepers to Ukraine, which could lead to an escalation of the situation. According to her, Russia has been aware of the presence of Western military personnel in Ukraine since 2015. Some of them stay in the country under the guise of instructors, advisers, and volunteers.