British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he is willing to deploy British troops to Ukraine as part of a postwar peacekeeping force, marking a significant shift in the UK’s stance on direct involvement in the conflict.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Starmer stressed that he did not take the decision to consider putting British servicemen and women “in harm’s way” lightly, but argued that ensuring lasting peace in Ukraine is essential to deterring future aggression from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“The end of Russia’s war with Ukraine, when it comes, cannot merely become a temporary pause before Putin attacks again,” Starmer wrote.
A Unique Role in Peace Talks
Starmer’s remarks come as the United States and Russia prepare for talks in Saudi Arabia aimed at ending the nearly three-year war. The British prime minister signaled that Britain could act as a bridge between Europe and the U.S., ensuring that European nations have a say in the peace process.
“Europe and America must continue to work closely together – and I believe the UK can play a unique role in helping to make this happen,” he said.
His comments also appear to be a response to U.S. President Donald Trump, who last week stunned European allies by announcing that he had spoken with Putin about starting a peace process without consulting NATO or Ukraine. Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, further suggested that Ukraine and European leaders might be excluded from peace negotiations.
European Summit in Paris
Starmer is set to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and other European leaders in Paris on Monday for talks on Ukraine.
The summit comes as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Ukraine and Europe must be part of any “real negotiations” with Moscow, signaling concerns over Trump’s unilateral approach.
Shaping the Future of European Security
While Britain has been a key military supporter of Ukraine, this is the first time Starmer has explicitly said he is considering sending UK troops to help maintain peace after the war.
“We are facing a once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of our continent,” he said. “This is not only a question about the future of Ukraine. It is existential for Europe as a whole.”
Starmer is also expected to travel to Washington soon, where he will likely push for greater transatlantic unity on Ukraine and emphasize Europe’s role in shaping the postwar settlement.
