Starmer vows UK troops and jets for Ukraine peace deal as US support crumbles after Trump-Zelenskyy row

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged the UK’s military backing for a Ukrainian peace deal, warning that European nations must step up as American support becomes increasingly uncertain. His announcement follows a catastrophic meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which left diplomatic relations in tatters.

Speaking after a high-stakes EU summit in London, Starmer proposed a “coalition of the willing” to defend any future peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. While he did not name specific countries, he insisted that “those willing” would urgently intensify planning. His remarks fuelled speculation that some European states might deploy troops to Ukraine—something few leaders have previously entertained.

“The UK is prepared to back this with boots on the ground and planes in the air, together with others,” he declared. “Europe must do the heavy lifting.”

His words marked a significant shift in British foreign policy, moving beyond financial and weapons support towards direct military involvement.

The summit had been planned for weeks but took on a new urgency after Trump’s volatile encounter with Zelenskyy at the White House. In a shocking display, Trump accused the Ukrainian president of “disrespecting” the US and “gambling with World War Three” by questioning Russia’s commitment to peace.

The fallout was immediate. European leaders began openly questioning whether Washington could still be relied upon to support Ukraine militarily. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas did not hold back, declaring: “Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge.”

Amid the diplomatic turmoil, Starmer has positioned himself as a bridge between Europe and the US, striving to keep Washington engaged while bolstering European efforts. Yet, despite his reassurances, his comments hinted at a growing belief that NATO’s security umbrella might not be enough.

“I do not accept that the US is an unreliable ally,” Starmer insisted when pressed on Trump’s stance. “The US has been a reliable ally for many, many decades and continues to be. Our defence, security, and intelligence are intertwined.”

However, his language betrayed deeper concerns. The phrase “coalition of the willing” carried historical weight—it was the same term the US used to rally allies for the Iraq invasion in 2003. By invoking it, Starmer sent a pointed message to Washington: Britain stood by the US then, and it expects the same loyalty now.

Alongside diplomatic manoeuvring, Starmer announced fresh military aid for Ukraine. The UK will provide £1.6bn in export finance to fund 5,000 additional air defence missiles. Chancellor Rachel Reeves also confirmed a separate £2.26bn boost, funded by profits from frozen Russian assets.

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a stark warning: Europe must “rearm” immediately. She pledged to present a new defence plan within days, arguing that Ukraine’s survival depended on more than just weapons—it needed economic resilience and long-term security guarantees.

As Starmer seeks to rally European allies, the question remains: Will this coalition be enough to fill the void left by a hesitant America? With the war at a critical juncture and NATO unity under strain, Ukraine’s fate may now rest in European hands.

THE GUARDIAN

Keir Starmer is navigating a complex diplomatic landscape, balancing European unity with the unpredictability of Donald Trump’s White House. Despite Trump’s public rebuke of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Starmer avoided confrontation, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to transatlantic relations while urging Europe to step up. Hosting an emergency summit in London, he positioned himself as a stabilising force, advocating for a European-led Ukraine strategy without dismissing US involvement. His approach—pragmatic, personal, and calculated—contrasts with calls for outright criticism of Trump. Instead, he focuses on maintaining dialogue, securing European cooperation, and ensuring US backing remains, however fragile. Starmer’s leadership style prioritises realism over rhetoric, a continuation of his cautious political approach. His challenge remains ensuring that a European-led security framework can hold without full US guarantees—an ambitious but necessary gamble. Whether this strategy succeeds or leaves Europe vulnerable will define his premiership.

THE NATIONAL

Keir Starmer has stood by Donald Trump despite the US President’s heated clash with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in which Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of risking “world war three.” The UK Prime Minister told the BBC he trusts Trump’s commitment to “lasting peace” and refused to withdraw an invitation for a second royal visit, despite widespread criticism. The Oval Office incident, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Zelenskyy and scrapped a key minerals deal, sparked global outrage. Scottish First Minister John Swinney called for Trump’s visit to be cancelled, but Starmer dismissed such demands as “ramping up rhetoric.” He emphasised diplomacy and maintaining strong US-UK ties over public condemnation. While this approach positions Starmer as a pragmatic leader, it risks straining relations with European allies increasingly wary of Trump’s unpredictability and the White House’s erratic stance on Ukraine’s security.