Keir Starmer offers British troops to secure Ukraine in peace deal

Starmer proposes sending UK troops as Europe responds to Trump’s talks with Russia.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer leaves 10 Downing Street for Prime Minister's Questions at the Houses of Parliament, on February 12, 2025, in London. Photo by Jordan Pettitt/PA/Getty Images

By Hayu Andini and Adila Ghina

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that the United Kingdom is prepared to send troops to Ukraine as part of security guarantees in a potential peace agreement. His remarks, published in The Daily Telegraph on Sunday, mark the first time he has openly suggested the possibility of deploying British forces to Ukraine.

Starmer’s comments come as European leaders move quickly to respond to President Donald Trump’s decision to initiate negotiations with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine. The UK prime minister emphasized that securing long-term stability in Ukraine is essential to preventing further aggression from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“The end of this war, when it comes, cannot merely become a temporary pause before Putin attacks again,” Starmer wrote, stressing the need for a durable resolution.

Europe scrambles as Trump pushes bilateral talks with Russia

Trump’s approach to the conflict has raised concerns among European allies, as he appears focused on direct negotiations between the United States and Russia, with little involvement from Ukraine or European nations. Reports indicate that American and Russian officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia this week to begin preliminary discussions.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that a broader diplomatic effort could emerge, potentially including Ukraine and European leaders. However, Ukraine confirmed on Sunday that it would not participate in the upcoming talks, highlighting uncertainty about the country’s role in shaping its own future.

Emergency meeting in Paris to coordinate European response

In response to Trump’s diplomatic push, Starmer and other European leaders are set to meet in Paris on Monday to formulate a unified strategy. The emergency meeting will include the heads of state from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark, alongside top officials from NATO and the European Union.

Starmer’s remarks indicate a shift in Europe’s military posture, as he called for increased defense spending and a more active European role within NATO. He reaffirmed that Ukraine’s path to NATO membership is “irreversible,” signaling a potential rift with the Trump administration, which does not currently support Ukraine’s accession to the alliance.

The stakes for Ukraine’s security and NATO’s future

Ukraine has long sought NATO membership as a safeguard against further Russian aggression. However, joining the alliance during an ongoing conflict remains unlikely, as it would obligate NATO members to directly engage with Russia.

Starmer, who is expected to meet with Trump in the coming weeks, reiterated the importance of US-European cooperation in securing a lasting peace. “A U.S. security guarantee is essential for a lasting peace, because only the U.S. can deter Putin from attacking again,” he wrote.

As tensions mount over the direction of peace negotiations, the outcome of the Paris meeting and Trump’s talks with Russia could have profound implications for the future of European security and Ukraine’s sovereignty.