This is reported by RBK-Ukraine referencing Reuters. The information comes from Kontrakty.UA.
Lemmy noted that the meeting of foreign ministers from the world's largest economies was overshadowed by a dispute among G20 members regarding the war in Ukraine.
"We have not made progress towards a resolution through negotiations. And I must say that when I listen to what the Russians are saying, and what Lavrov just said in the chamber today (February 20 - ed.), I do not see an inclination to actually reach this peace," he said in response to a question about whether London would support the introduction of peacekeepers in Ukraine under any circumstances without security guarantees from the U.S.
Peacekeepers for Ukraine and Defense Spending
The publication also reminded that on February 17, during a meeting of European leaders in Paris, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that U.S. security commitments are the only way to ensure lasting peace in Ukraine. According to him, it is currently too early to discuss how many British peacekeepers he may send.
At this meeting, European leaders discussed but did not reach an agreement on deploying peacekeepers. Instead, they promised to enhance their defense capabilities, as the Trump administration appears to increasingly adopt the Kremlin's line regarding Ukraine.
"This is a critical moment; it is very important for Europe to increase... defense spending to strengthen our commitment to our own defense across Europe," Lemmy stated.
He also confirmed Britain's goal of spending 2.5% of GDP on its own defense and promised assistance to Ukraine.
"We are committed to providing Ukraine with £3 billion a year as long as the war continues," he said.
The agency also reminded that last week, Trump shocked European allies by calling Russian leader Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war without prior consultation with Ukraine or them.
"We look forward to the opportunity to speak with President Trump regarding Ukraine. We are very, very clearly aware that Ukraine must play a certain role; it must be at the center of these negotiations," Lemmy said.
British Plan for Peacekeepers in Ukraine
It is worth noting that next week, Keir Starmer will visit the U.S. His meeting with President Donald Trump is scheduled for Thursday, February 27.
During the visit, the head of the British government will propose to Trump a plan to deploy 30,000 European peacekeepers to Ukraine. They are planned to be stationed away from the front line in Ukrainian cities, ports, and other critical infrastructure facilities.
Starmer will also attempt to persuade Trump to keep U.S. fighter jets and missiles on standby in Eastern European countries in the event of a breach of the ceasefire by the Kremlin.
During recent negotiations in Saudi Arabia, Russian officials requested the American side to withdraw NATO troops from Eastern Europe.
Following this meeting, Trump harshly criticized Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky for allegedly being unwilling to end the war.