UK Nuclear Warning to Russia

TEHRAN (Defapress) - UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Defense Secretary John Healey, during a visit to a military base in northwest London, alongside senior military officials from over 30 countries in the coalition supporting Ukraine, sought to send a clear message to Moscow. Starmer claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin would violate any peace agreement lacking security guarantees, emphasizing that Europe must defend Ukraine's security with a practical plan.

The UK Defense Secretary also stated that the country is prepared to inflict "unprecedented devastation" on its enemies if the UK is attacked or if Moscow violates a peace agreement. He said, "Our nuclear deterrence is precisely designed for such threats. We have the power to cause widespread destruction, and anyone who acts against us must understand the consequences."

These remarks come as the UK is developing a new generation of nuclear submarines, and Starmer emphasized strengthening the country's nuclear capabilities during the visit. The UK Prime Minister, who hosted military officials from France, Canada, Poland, the Netherlands, Romania, Australia, and other European countries at the UK's Joint Military Command Center in Northwood, stated that peace will only endure if Ukraine is protected by an international coalition. He claimed, "We do not know what the outcome of peace negotiations will be, but one thing is certain: any agreement without military backing will be violated by Putin."

Meanwhile, the US President, disregarding Europe's alleged concerns, has initiated the process of peace negotiations for Ukraine. Donald Trump spoke separately with the presidents of Russia and Ukraine last week, assessing the negotiations positively. However, his reluctance to directly support European security plans in Ukraine has left European officials worried and frustrated.

Leaders of EU member states issued a joint statement yesterday (March 20, 2024), declaring that Russian assets in Europe will remain frozen until the end of the war in Ukraine, and that further, heavier sanctions will be imposed on Russia if Moscow rejects a ceasefire proposal.

In the statement, published on the EU's website, the leaders of the 27 European countries reiterated their "firm support" for Ukraine against what they called "Russia's aggressive war" and pledged to continue providing military, financial, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

Part of the European Council's statement emphasized the need to provide "strong and credible security guarantees" to Ukraine to ensure the country remains protected from any "potential aggression" in the future. In this regard, the EU and its member states announced that they will continue to cooperate with NATO and other international partners to establish a long-term security framework for Ukraine.