UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer signals readiness to send troops to Ukraine, backing up military aid with a commitment to security guarantees

In a significant escalation of his stance on the ongoing war in Ukraine, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declared that Britain is prepared to send troops to Ukraine to confront Vladimir Putin’s forces if necessary. Ahead of urgent talks with European leaders in Paris, Starmer confirmed his willingness to contribute British peacekeepers to help end the conflict, as the US seeks a potential ceasefire agreement with Russia.

Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Starmer outlined the UK’s readiness to “play a leading role” in Ukraine’s defence, confirming an annual commitment of £3 billion until 2030. He stressed that along with financial support, Britain must be ready to put troops on the ground to ensure long-term security in the region. While acknowledging the grave responsibility of such a decision, Starmer emphasised that a lasting peace in Ukraine is crucial to deterring further aggression from Putin.

For the first time, Starmer explicitly suggested that UK troops could be deployed in Ukraine, having previously only hinted at such involvement in post-ceasefire peacekeeping efforts. He added, “The end of this war, when it comes, cannot merely be a temporary pause before Putin attacks again.”

Starmer’s announcement comes ahead of a Monday meeting in Paris, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, where European leaders will discuss the next steps in response to Donald Trump’s push for a negotiated settlement with Russia. The talks will involve heads of state from Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the Netherlands, along with officials from the European Council, European Commission, and NATO.

While European nations must take on more responsibility, Starmer acknowledged the indispensable role of the US in securing a lasting peace, noting that only America can effectively deter further Russian aggression. Starmer’s remarks in Paris are aimed at reinforcing Europe’s commitment to upholding its defence obligations while ensuring Ukraine is included in any discussions about its future.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been outspoken about the need for Ukraine to be at the negotiating table. He warned that the risk of Russia expanding its control over Europe was “100 percent,” with intelligence reports indicating that up to 150,000 Russian soldiers were amassing in Belarus. Zelensky stressed that any peace deal that excluded Ukraine from the negotiations would be unacceptable, as it would validate Putin’s claim that Ukraine is not a sovereign nation.

Without continued US support, Zelensky warned, Ukraine’s survival chances would be minimal, citing the disparity in military strength between Russia and Europe. “The risk that Russia will occupy Europe is 100 percent,” he said, emphasising the urgent need for Western powers to stay united in their support for Ukraine’s independence.

THE TELEGRAPH

In a significant shift, Sir Keir Starmer has declared that the UK is “ready and willing” to deploy British troops in Ukraine to enforce any peace agreement, emphasizing the responsibility and risks involved. This marks the first time a UK Prime Minister has publicly considered sending British peacekeepers to Ukraine. Starmer’s comments come ahead of a crucial European summit in Paris, where leaders, including President Macron, will discuss a potential European-led peacekeeping force, spurred by growing concerns over US withdrawal from European security. Starmer’s position adds pressure on European nations, particularly Germany, to support a peacekeeping mission. He stressed that ensuring Ukraine’s security is vital for the safety of Europe and the UK. Starmer also pointed out that a peace agreement must ensure Ukraine is never again vulnerable to Russian aggression. The proposal includes a European force stationed away from the front lines, but logistical and political challenges remain.

THE GUARDIAN

Keir Starmer has revealed the UK is “ready and willing” to send British troops to Ukraine as peacekeepers if a ceasefire agreement is reached with Russia. Acknowledging the risks, Starmer emphasized that the UK’s role in securing Ukraine’s peace is essential for European and national security. This is the first time the Prime Minister has explicitly considered deploying troops to Ukraine, ahead of crucial talks in Paris with European leaders.

Starmer highlighted the UK’s commitment of £3 billion annually until 2030 for Ukraine’s defence, noting that military assistance, including potential peacekeeping forces, is vital to prevent future Russian aggression. He called the crisis a “once in a generation moment” and stressed the importance of involving Ukraine in peace talks to avoid a repeat of the Afghanistan withdrawal disaster.

However, with UK military stretched thin, questions remain about how such a peacekeeping mission could be funded and whether European nations will commit to the necessary force. Starmer faces pressure to balance defence spending with strategic commitments to NATO and global security.