Western military chiefs set to meet to discuss 'operational phase' of Ukraine peace deal

Military chiefs from around the world will meet next week to discuss the "operational phase" of protecting Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force, Sir Keir Starmer has announced.

The prime minister hosted a virtual meeting of the "coalition of the willing" on Saturday, which involved leaders of 26 nations, including Ukraine, plus the EU and NATO, to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.

Speaking after the 90-minute meeting, Sir Keir revealed military chiefs from the group of Western nations would meet on Thursday as they move "into an operational phase".

He said they would draw up plans to help secure Ukraine "on the land, at sea and in the sky" if a peace deal can be agreed with Russia.

Ukraine war latest: We must be prepared to defend peace deal

The day before, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accepted a proposal for a 30-day interim ceasefire as Russia agreed to an end to fighting, however, President Vladimir Putin said "lots of questions" remain over the proposals.