Starmer says the "coalition of the willing" on Ukraine is entering an "operational phase."

LondonMany more questions than answers. The new summit, this time by videoconference, convened this Saturday morning by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss possible peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, driven by US President Donald Trump, and how Kiev's security should be guaranteed, has ended with little more than a bureaucratic announcement disguised as a step forward. Next Thursday, military commanders from the countries that attended – the vast majority of the EU, New Zealand, Canada and Australia, plus Ukraine and the host country – will meet in London to move into an "operational phase" – in the words of the premier–. However, as for the possible deployment of the "coalition of the willing", as it was called in the face-to-face meeting two weeks ago, on the Russian-Ukrainian front line to consolidate a ceasefire, if it ever comes to that, the hottest man is in the kitchen sink.

Thus, in the press conference following the meeting, Starmer has shown the weaknesses of a Europe that watches, astonished, as the game is being played by Washington and Moscow with practically no possibility of raising its voice. Despite everything, Starmer, who does not want to lose steam with respect to French President Emmanuel Macron, has assured that there is more "determination, new proposals and commitments on the table."

The fine words have not been able to overshadow the lack of answers to very specific questions: exactly, what would this military force do? Could it confront the Russians militarily? It is unknown. As for the new commitments that the premier, it is also not known by whom, or which countries. This week, in Paris, Macron assured that there was "fifteen interesting countries". But they still maintained the same ambiguities.

Which side is the United States on?

Starmer, on the other hand, has also been unable to respond to Russia's objections. Moscow has made it clear that it does not want European troops in Ukraine.Will Vladimir Putin finally give in, allegedly under pressure from Trump? One more of the many unknowns. As also remains the question of US security guarantees. The Prime Minister has reiterated that his position has not changed: a European "coalition of the willing" would need that support. Is Putin any closer to achieving them, once Washington and Kiev have reunited? It is unknown.

Nor is it known what would happen if Trump's position does not change. Because the presence of the peace volunteers is based on the premise that the White House has not changed sides, that the United States has not suddenly aligned itself with Russia or abandoned Ukraine. During the press conference, Starmer was specifically asked if that premise might be flawed.. What would be Plan B? Starmer has opted to stick to Plan A: talk to the Americans and reach a viable agreement.

The next European chapter of a process that now depends on Putin's will and Trump's supposed negotiating strength will take place next Thursday. The coalition's military chiefs will meet in London to "advance practical plans for how our militaries can support Ukraine's future security," the spokesman also said. premier"We have agreed to accelerate our practical work to support a possible agreement, so we will now move into an operational phase," he added.

Finally, the prime minister warned Vladimir Putin that "the world is watching" and that Russia will have to sit at the negotiating table "sooner or later." possibility for now very unlikelyBut no decision has been made on concrete measures that would further damage Moscow, such as the seizure of the $250 billion to $300 billion frozen in Western Europe, particularly in Belgium, a possibility that was discussed at the meeting.