Starmer calls for deadline to stop Putin 'playing games'

VLADIMIR Putin must be given a deadline to make progress on a Ukraine ceasefire, Sir Keir Starmer said as European allies stepped up plans to deploy troops to secure any peace deal.

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The Prime Minister said that the Russian president was "playing games" and attempting to drag the Donald Trump-initiated process out to allow his forces time to continue their assaults on Ukraine.

Following talks in Paris yesterday, Sir Keir said top brass from the UK, France and Germany would head to Ukraine for talks with Kyiv's military chiefs to discuss plans for a force to deter Mr Putin from attacking again if there is a deal to bring the war to an end.

And the so-called "coalition of the willing" meeting in Paris had agreed there should be no easing of sanctions against Russia.