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UK Ministry of Defence appoints Army officer to lead Multinational Force Ukraine in Kyiv, as Ukraine and Russia escalate attacks and Trump-Putin peace talks remain uncertain.
File photo of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference in Kyiv. (Image: AFP)
In a major development reflecting deepening Western military support for Ukraine, the UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that a Army two-star officer has been appointed to lead the headquarters of the newly established Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U) in Kyiv, according to UK Defence Journal.
The move underscores the UK’s continued commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and defence, amid ongoing Russian aggression. The MNF-U is a coalition effort aimed at strengthening coordination, training, logistics, and strategic military support to Ukrainian forces.
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“The MNF-U will bolster Ukraine’s ability to return to peace and stability by supporting the regeneration of Ukraine’s own forces. Strong Ukrainian armed forces is the best way to deter Russia – and ensure the country is able to rebuild a thriving economy and attract international investment,” a press release by UK government read.
Ukraine And Russia Escalate Attacks
Meanwhile, the situation remains tense as both Ukraine and Russia continue to attack each other. Ukraine launched a series of deep strikes on Russian oil refineries over the past week, intensifying pressure on Russia’s fuel infrastructure and worsening domestic petrol shortages. The attacks have prompted Moscow to extend its ban on petroleum product exports in an effort to stabilize its internal supply.
Russia retaliated by carrying out a deadly missile strike on Kyiv and unleashed a wave of statements framing its military campaign as a success. Kremlin officials doubled down on claims that Ukraine is nearing collapse, despite continued Ukrainian resistance and mounting Western support.
The sharp escalation marks another turn in the grinding conflict, with both sides now targeting critical infrastructure and ramping up battlefield operations.
As several countries have pushed for a peace deal between the two nations multiple times, the recent effort by US President Donald Trump to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, during the Alaska summit last month did not yield any fruitful result.
Putin, Trump May Meet Soon To Discuss Ukraine War
It is learnt that the two leaders could meet again soon for a peace deal. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, could meet again in the near future, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
In an interview with Russian news outlet Argumenty i Fakty, Peskov asserted that a meeting could be arranged soon if both Presidents feel it is needed.
Kremlin further said that Trump’s deal-making approach to diplomacy is “quite cynical”, but in a positive sense. Peskov contrasted Trump’s position with that of European countries, which, he said, were doing everything they could to hinder a peaceful settlement of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
About the Author
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18…Read More
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18… Read More
Ukraine
September 06, 2025, 21:11 IST
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