British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed readiness to send soldiers to Ukraine to protect any future peace deal to ensure the security of Europe.
The UK is playing a leading role in supporting Kyiv in its war against Russia. “This involves increased support for the Ukrainian military, with the UK already committed to providing £3 billion annually until at least 2030," Starmer wrote in the Daily Telegraph, describing it as a once-in-a-generation moment.
"But it also means we are ready and willing to contribute to security guarantees for Ukraine by sending our own troops if needed," he stressed.
"I do not say this lightly," added Starmer, acknowledging the responsibility of potentially endangering British soldiers. He emphasised that "helping to secure Ukraine’s safety means helping to secure our continent and our country."
Achieving long-term peace in Ukraine "is essential to deter Putin from pursuing aggression in the future," he insisted.
Starmer asserted that European security is intrinsically linked with that of Ukraine. "The end of the war cannot be merely a temporary pause before Putin attacks again," he urged. He also called on European countries to increase their defence spending and take a more significant role within NATO.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (2ndL), British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Council President Antonio Costa attend the EU leaders' informal retreat at the Palais d'Egmont in Brussels, on February 3, 2025. Credit: Belga / AFP
Starmer confirmed that he would attend a European meeting in Paris to address the “acceleration” of the American administration on the Ukrainian issue and to define a common response to reinforce the security of the continent.
The Prime Minister emphasised the need to involve Ukraine in the negotiations. He referenced the American approach in Afghanistan, where negotiations were held directly with the Taliban, bypassing the Afghan government. "I am confident President Trump will want to avoid that as well," Starmer wrote.
He also announced plans to meet with US President Donald Trump “in the coming days.” According to Starmer, the UK has a "unique role" in ensuring that Europe and the United States work closely together.
"American support will remain crucial, and the US security guarantee is essential for lasting peace because only the United States can deter President Vladimir Putin from attacking again," Starmer highlighted.
"While Ukraine’s membership in NATO may take time, we must continue to support its irreversible path towards joining the Alliance," Starmer wrote. Previously, new US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that such membership was "not realistic."
French President Emmanuel Macron, and the leaders of Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark, along with the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission, and the NATO Secretary-General, are expected to attend the Paris meeting. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has not been invited.
On Monday, Sweden also confirmed it would not rule out sending soldiers to Ukraine to support a peacekeeping force following a potential ceasefire with Russia, Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer stated in an interview with Sveriges Radio on Monday.
"We first need to negotiate a just and sustainable peace that respects international law," Malmer said. "Once we have that peace, we will need to maintain it, and our government does not rule anything out to achieve that.
