UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Sunday that he is prepared to send British troops to Ukraine if necessary to ensure the security of both Britain and Europe.
In an article in the Daily Telegraph, Starmer emphasized the UK’s leadership in supporting Kyiv in its war against Russia, stating that this role could extend to providing security guarantees to Ukraine, which might involve deploying British forces on the ground.
“I do not make this statement lightly,” Starmer acknowledged, noting the heavy responsibility that comes with potentially putting British service members in harm’s way. “But any role in helping to guarantee Ukraine’s security also helps to guarantee the security of our continent and of this country.”
Starmer also confirmed he would attend a high-level meeting in Paris on Monday to discuss growing concerns over US efforts to bring the war in Ukraine to an end. Additionally, he revealed plans to meet with US President Donald Trump “in the coming days” to reinforce the UK’s “unique role” in fostering collaboration between Europe and the United States.
“US support remains critical, and a US security guarantee is essential for lasting peace, because only the US can deter Putin from further aggression,” Starmer said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The meeting in Paris, which will be attended by the heads of government from Germany, the UK, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark, comes ahead of the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
European leaders are concerned that if Ukraine is forced into a poor deal by the US, it could embolden Putin and leave the continent vulnerable to a strengthened Moscow.
“This is a once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of our continent,” Starmer warned. “This is not just about the future of Ukraine – it’s existential for Europe as a whole.”
AFP
