UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he is ready to send British troops to Ukraine as part of a peace deal to ensure security in the region. He believes a stable peace is necessary to prevent further aggression from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking ahead of a summit with European leaders in Paris, Keir Starmer said the UK is prepared to take an active role in maintaining peace in Ukraine. He emphasized that deploying troops would be a serious decision, but one that could help safeguard Europe.
“I do not say this lightly,” Sir Keir wrote in the Daily Telegraph. “I understand the responsibility that comes with sending British servicemen and women into a dangerous situation.”
He added that helping Ukraine means securing Europe’s future and ensuring stability for the UK. He warned that the war’s end must not become a temporary halt before Russia attacks again.
UK Troops May Join European Forces on the Ground
According to Sir Keir, British troops could be stationed alongside European soldiers near the borders between Ukrainian and Russian-controlled areas. This would be part of efforts to enforce any ceasefire agreement and prevent further hostilities.
Previously, he had only hinted that British forces might play a role after a ceasefire. However, his latest comments confirm that the UK is willing to commit troops to ensure lasting peace.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting echoed these views. He told the BBC that the UK sees the conflict as “the frontline for Europe and Britain.” He emphasized the government’s commitment to securing Ukraine’s long-term future.
Military Readiness and Concerns Over Resources
Despite the prime minister’s readiness, some experts have raised concerns about the UK’s military capability. Former Army chief Lord Dannatt stated that the British military has been weakened due to years of underfunding. He suggested that deploying a significant number of troops for an extended period would be difficult.
“Frankly, we don’t have the numbers or equipment to sustain a large force in Ukraine right now,” he told BBC Breakfast. He added that such a mission would require a major increase in military spending.
Former MI6 chief Sir John Sawers also warned that any peacekeeping mission must have a clear mandate. He stressed that without clear rules, an international force in Ukraine could face significant challenges.
US, Russia, and the Future of Peace Talks
Sir Keir is set to visit Washington later this month for talks with US President Donald Trump. He believes that US support is crucial for securing peace in Ukraine. “Only the US has the power to stop Putin from attacking again,” he stated.
There are concerns in Europe that the US might negotiate directly with Russia without including European leaders. This worry comes as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet Russian officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss peace efforts.
Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy to Ukraine, said that while European leaders would be consulted, they would not be involved in direct negotiations between Washington and Moscow.
A Ukrainian government source told the BBC that Kyiv has not been invited to the US-Russia talks. This has raised concerns about the future of Ukraine’s role in determining its own fate.
Trump’s Push for a Quick Resolution
Former US President Donald Trump, who has played an active role in the negotiations, recently spoke with Putin about ending the war. He later informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about his peace plan.
Trump has emphasized his desire to stop the war “immediately.” He also said he would allow European nations to buy American weapons to support Ukraine’s defense.
However, some Ukrainian officials worry that a rushed peace deal could favor Russia and leave Ukraine in a vulnerable position.
Ukraine’s Path to NATO and Future Security
Sir Keir stressed that Ukraine’s path to NATO membership is irreversible. He called on European countries to increase their defense spending and play a larger role in the alliance.
Currently, the UK spends about 2.3% of its GDP on defense and has pledged to raise this to 2.5%. However, there is no clear deadline for reaching this goal. Trump has called for NATO members to spend at least 5% of GDP on defense, while NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte has suggested more than 3%.
Lord Dannatt believes the UK’s proposed increase is insufficient. He estimates that up to 30,000 British troops would be needed for a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. This could require mobilizing reservists.
Streeting declined to speculate on troop numbers but said the government would carefully consider the decision before deploying forces.
European Summit in Paris
French President Emmanuel Macron has called a meeting in Paris to discuss security in Ukraine. Leaders from Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark will attend. The European Council and European Commission presidents will also participate, along with NATO’s Secretary General.
The meeting comes at a critical time in European politics, with leaders eager to ensure they have a say in Ukraine’s future. They are concerned that the US might strike a deal with Russia that does not fully protect Ukraine’s interests..
Sir Keir said Europe must stand united. “We cannot allow another situation like Afghanistan, where the US negotiated directly with the Taliban and excluded the Afghan government,” he said. He believes Ukraine must be actively involved in any peace agreement.
As talks continue, the future of Ukraine and Europe’s role in its security remain uncertain. However, Sir Keir’s commitment to sending British troops signals that the UK is ready to take a more active role in the region.
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