Russia warns UK against peacekeeping troop plans in Ukraine

Russia has criticized UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's proposal to send British troops to Ukraine as a potential escalation of the conflict. This response follows Starmer's statement that he is prepared to deploy forces to support a ceasefire agreement. The comments from Moscow came after initial peace talks between the US and Russia in Saudi Arabia. Russian officials stated that any NATO troops in Ukraine would be unacceptable, emphasizing their opposition to foreign military presence in the region. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concerns about the talks occurring without his involvement, stating that discussions should not happen behind Ukraine's back. Meanwhile, US officials indicated that the negotiations are a starting point for a long and challenging process toward peace.