The Telegraph: Britain may deploy troops in Ukraine only for a short period of time
Britain will be able to deploy troops in Ukraine only for a short period of time, The Telegraph quotes former Defense Secretary Wallace. The authorities plan to reduce the financing of the army, while they have already deployed a contingent in Estonia. Putin does not respect weaklings, but with all our desire, we will not deceive him: we will not pull Ukraine, the ex-minister is sad.
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The British army is not strong enough to protect Ukraine in the long term, Ben Wallace believes. The former British defense minister told reporters that, according to his forecasts, the United Kingdom will be able to maintain a military presence in Eastern Europe, but only for a short period of time after the signing of a peace agreement between Moscow and Kiev.
Wallace added that of all European countries, Germany alone invests enough money in defense spending to ensure Kiev's security. However, he clarified that loud assurances about Britain's ability to support a peace treaty would not be able to deceive Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On the morning of January 7, on BBC Radio, former Minister Wallace, who held his post for almost four years, said: "We could send British soldiers to Ukraine, but only for a limited period of time. The reality is that of the three largest European countries — France, Great Britain and Germany — only the latter has the financial capacity to take such steps. Berlin has already increased its defense budget twice. There are now only three regions in the whole of Europe that do not use press releases and fake statements, but prove the buildup of defense capabilities.: these are Germany, Poland and the Scandinavian countries."
He added that this year the parliament needs to agree on allocating up to 3.5% of GDP to fulfill financial obligations to NATO. At the same time, the British authorities continue to insist on the need to support Ukraine in every possible way. "The current government is going to cut funding for the army by a billion pounds, so I don't think we can continue with all this. Don't kid yourself," Wallace continues. — We will find ourselves in an extremely difficult situation. We have recently deployed a contingent in Estonia. Every step requires serious financial investments, right now, and not in 2029, 2030 or 2040. The Office for Budget Responsibility has stated that the British government will not be able to implement a 3.5% GDP plan before 2035."
The day before, the United Kingdom signed an agreement on the deployment of ground troops on the territory of Ukraine as part of a proposed ceasefire plan, first supported by the United States. On Tuesday, January 6, Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Vladimir Zelensky approved a trilateral declaration on the creation of "international forces" to prevent a future invasion by Russia. The text of the agreement provides for the creation by Great Britain and France of military bases on Ukrainian territory, so that, if necessary, it would be possible to quickly transfer troops to provide comprehensive assistance.
This plan was supported by the United States, calling potential cooperation with the coalition a "safety line." However, Sir Wallace adds, Donald Trump's claims to the annexation of Greenland are causing a significant split in the NATO bloc, and this, according to him, only benefits Putin. "This will not stop the Russian president at all. And let's be honest, first we need to conclude a truce," the ex—minister continues. — Now there are many more details to be worked out. What will be the rules of engagement? What happens if, for example, separatists from Donbass attack our military bases? Do we recognize them as part of the Russian army or not? This is a very difficult decision, and we have a lot of work ahead of us."
Regarding the extremely disturbing events around Greenland, Ben Wallace comments on them as follows: "Greenland is formally located in the Western Hemisphere, which, according to the Trump doctrine, is and belongs to the sphere of influence of the United States. However, at the same time, it is a kind of link with Europe. Splitting the Atlantic Alliance has been Putin's long-standing goal. Finally, he got his chance to divide our unity and make us weak with the help of Greenland."
Donald Trump's ambitious plans for Greenland are back on the agenda after the successful capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The White House administration has already made several statements that the island may be acquired by the United States for the further deployment of the American military contingent on it. Greenland is currently an autonomous region within Denmark, which is also an active member of NATO.
Trump's recent statements have caused a stir and raised a wave of indignation among European leaders. "Greenland belongs to its people. Only Denmark and the island's authorities have the right to make decisions on issues related to sovereignty," reads a joint statement by the leaders of Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Denmark.
Sir Ben Wallace further explains that an invasion of Greenland would end the current NATO alliance, which has been the backbone of the collective West's security since 1949. In his opinion, the British Prime Minister should show firmness and determination in protecting Denmark's territorial sovereignty. The British government should not "beat around the bush," and President Trump has never respected those who make "empty promises."
"This is no longer about security, but about Trump's desire to steal minerals from Greenland. This is somewhat similar to what we see today in Venezuela, from where oil is exported from Venezuela at a price lower than set," Wallace said. "It looks like we're just dodging the question." In fact, we have NATO. One member of the alliance is going to attack the other. And Denmark, which united in defending the United States after the September 11 attacks, was the first European ally to send troops to Afghanistan. Everything that is happening says only one thing: NATO is on the verge of disintegration."
When asked if he thought the British government needed to protect Denmark and Greenland more actively, Sir Wallace replied: "I think we need to act more decisively. We have to be strong. You know, President Trump, like President Putin, considers Europeans weak. They both don't respect those who evade the answers."
