UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that Britain is prepared to deploy peacekeeping troops to Ukraine if necessary, emphasizing the move as crucial to ensuring both British and
European security.
Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Mr. Starmer highlighted the UK's pivotal role in supporting Kyiv in its ongoing war against Russia. "This includes being ready and willing to contribute to Ukraine’s security guarantees by deploying British troops if required," he stated.
"I do not say that lightly," the prime minister added, acknowledging the grave responsibility of potentially placing British service personnel in harm’s way. "But any effort to safeguard Ukraine’s security directly strengthens the security of our continent and our own nation."
A shift in Britain's stance
This marks the first time Mr. Starmer has explicitly indicated a willingness to send British peacekeepers to Ukraine. Previously, he had only expressed support for Britain playing a role in any future peace settlement.
His remarks come ahead of a high-level security summit in Paris, where he will meet with leaders from Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark. The discussions are expected to focus on European security concerns, particularly in light of recent U.S. diplomatic maneuvers.
Concerns Over U.S. Influence on Ukraine Peace Talks
The meeting follows increasing apprehension among European nations regarding the United States' approach to ending the war. Mr. Starmer confirmed plans to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in the coming days, underscoring the UK’s "unique role" in fostering strong cooperation between Europe and the U.S.
"American support remains critical, and a U.S. security guarantee is essential for lasting peace," Mr. Starmer said, arguing that only Washington can effectively deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from launching further aggression.
European leaders fear that if Ukraine is pressured into accepting an unfavorable deal by Washington, it could result in a perceived victory for Mr. Putin, leaving Europe vulnerable to future threats from Moscow.
Strategic talks amid growing tensions
The Paris summit takes place just days before the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Ukraine and European allies would be included in discussions surrounding any potential peace negotiations, indicating that talks with Russia this week could test Mr. Putin’s willingness for a diplomatic resolution.
In his article, Mr. Starmer stressed the importance of collective security, calling this "a once-in-a-generation moment" for the stability of Europe.
"This is not just about Ukraine’s future—it is an existential issue for Europe as a whole," he warned.
The diplomatic landscape was further shaken last week when President Trump revealed that he had held direct talks with Mr. Putin without prior consultation with NATO allies or Ukraine. The Trump administration’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, also suggested that European leaders may not be included in peace negotiations, a move that has raised concerns across the continent.
As tensions rise, European leaders are working to ensure that Ukraine’s security is not compromised in any diplomatic settlement. Mr. Starmer’s offer of UK peacekeeping troops underscores Britain’s commitment to standing by Ukraine and maintaining European stability. Photo by Prime Minister’s Office, Wikimedia commons.