British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, during his visit to Kiev on May 2, 2024; He said that Britain would continue to support Ukraine, that the use of British weapons in Ukraine was at Kiev’s initiative, and that it was legitimate to strike Russian territory if it deemed necessary.[1] Russia, on the other hand, emphasized that it has the right to strike British military elements in Ukraine and beyond if such a scenario occurs.[2]
French President Emanuel Macron drew Russia’s anger by bringing up the option of sending troops to Ukraine. This time, Cameron’s statement that “British weapons could be used against Russia” was responded to by Moscow’s announcement that it would conduct nuclear exercises.
Until recently, it was a matter of debate whether Ukraine could use Western weapons to hit targets in Russia. In fact, Washington opposed Kiev’s use of such an attack, even using its own capabilities, due to possible risks. On the other hand, London takes its support to Kiev one step further. As a matter of fact, Cameron’s hint that “Kiev could hit Russian territory with British weapons” is an indication of this.
While these discussions were continuing, it was claimed that British Prime Minister Cameron met with United States (US) Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during his visit to Florida on April 9, 2024 and discussed the Ukraine-Russia peace agreement.[3]
Accordingly, Cameron said that the new US aid would help Ukraine stay on the front lines and provide the “best possible conditions” for the parties to reach an agreement.[4] According to Politico Magazine, Cameron asked Trump the following question: “What are the best conditions for you, as president, to make a deal in January? Both sides hold their own line and pay the price for it… Peace comes from strength, not appeasement and weakness.” he said.[5]
In other words, England proposed the “War for Peace” plan to convince the Republicans. It is known that Trump continues to claim to “end the war in Ukraine in one day”. In this context, it can be said that London was able to persuade the Republicans to continue supporting Kiev. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also said that his country’s position on this issue has not changed and Putin must fail.[6]
The basic plan here is that the West will continue military-financial support to Kiev until the best conditions for peace are established in Ukraine. At this point, it is still a question mark how Ukraine can take back the lands it has lost control of at the diplomatic table. Returning the lands to Ukraine through diplomatic channels, which Russia wants to legitimize through a referendum or plebiscite, seems like a challenging mission for both the UK and the USA.
Regarding this issue, UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said in an interview with Times Radio on May 14, 2024 that he would not force or persuade Ukraine to accept a bad peace agreement, especially one that requires the loss of territory.[7] Shapps, “There is no point in Britain trying to persuade Ukraine, by force or otherwise, to agree to give up part of its territory. This is a decision that concerns Ukraine entirely.” he said.[8]
The most important factor that will make Ukraine strong at the diplomacy table will be its success on the war front. However, Ukraine should not need such a success to establish its territorial integrity and sovereignty. Because the sovereignty of states within national borders is also secured in accordance with the United Nations charter. Gaining territory through war is unlikely in modern times and, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Putin, “was in ancient times.”[9]
However, at this point, it seems that priority is given to successes on the field in the Ukraine Crisis. The fact that Russia is not invited to the peace summit planned to be held in Switzerland in mid-June is an indication of this. Fears are more focused on the Russia-NATO war. That’s why European countries, including Britain, are discussing today whether they are ready for a NATO-Russia war.
In this regard, British General Sir Richard Barrons warned that the British Armed Forces were “too small in terms of equipment, inadequately trained, and very poorly supported in terms of stock and engineering.” The senior commander said, “The army knows this very well. It is definitely not ready to take his place in NATO in a possible conflict with Russia,” he added. [10] Experts warn that Britain may be left with no choice if the conflict with Russia escalates into a wider European or world war.[11]
As a result, Britain focused on developing a strategy compatible with the United States in the war in Ukraine. If transatlantic relations remain strong, there will continue to be hope for Europe’s security.
[1] “Russia warns Britain it could strike back after Cameron remark on Ukraine”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-warns-it-can-strike-british-military-targets-after-cameron-remarks-2024-05-06/, (Date of Access: 17.05.2024).
[2] “Zaharova: Londra’nın tehditleri gerçekleşirse İngiltere’nin askeri unsurlarını vurabiliriz”, Sputnik, https://anlatilaninotesi.com.tr/20240507/zaharova-londranin-tehditleri-gerceklesirse-ingilterenin-askeri-unsurlarini-vurabiliriz-1083573065.html, (Date of Access: 17.05.2024).
[3] “UK’s Cameron discussed Ukraine-Russia peace deal with Trump: report”, Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/uks-cameron-discussed-ukraine-russia-peace-deal-trump-report, (Date of Access: 17.05.2024).
[4] Ibid.
[5] “UK’s Cameron pitched radical Ukraine peace deal to Trump — report”, Politico, https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-david-cameron-ukraine-peace-deal-mar-a-lago-military-aid/, (Date of Access: 17.05.2024).
[6] “UK’s Cameron discussed Ukraine-Russia peace deal with Trump: report”, a.g.e., (Date of Access: 17.05.2024).
[7] “‘We will never force Ukraine to accept peace treaty,’ says UK defense secretary”, Kyiv Independent, https://kyivindependent.com/we-will-never-force-ukraine-to-accept-peace-treaty-says-uk-defense-secretary/, (Date of Access: 17.05.2024).
[8] Ibid.
[9] “‘We will never force Ukraine to accept peace treaty,’ says UK defense secretary”, Euronews, https://tr.euronews.com/2022/09/16/hindistan-basbakani-modiden-putine-simdi-savasmanin-zamani-degil, (Date of Access: 17.05.2024).
[10] “Ex-Army Chief Joins Calls For UK To Prepare For Conscription If Russia Attacks”, Msn, https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/ex-army-chief-joins-calls-for-uk-to-prepare-for-conscription-if-russia-attacks/ar-BB1iTJiw, (Date of Access: 17.05.2024).
[11] “To beat Russia we must avoid same mistakes after World War One, says ex-British Army head”, Express, https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1870828/Russia-ukraine-war-news, (Date of Access: 17.05.2024).
