Abdelrahman
On Sunday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer proposed deploying British troops to aid in securing Ukraine as part of any potential peace agreement. This statement comes as he and other European leaders swiftly coordinate their response to President Trump’s initiation of discussions with Russia regarding an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In a piece featured in The Daily Telegraph, Starmer expressed his readiness to support security guarantees for Ukraine, stating, “I am prepared to deploy our troops on the ground if necessary.” This marks the first instance in which he has explicitly considered the possibility of sending British forces to Ukraine. His comments precede an urgent meeting of European leaders set to take place in Paris on Monday, aimed at addressing Trump’s proposal for a settlement that seemingly sidelines Europe and Ukraine.
Starmer emphasized that any decision to commit British troops would not be made lightly. He asserted that establishing a lasting peace in Ukraine, one that preserves its sovereignty, is crucial for deterring future aggression from Russian President Vladimir V. Putin. “The end of this war must not merely be a short reprieve before another attack from Putin,” he cautioned.
This week, American and Russian officials are anticipated to convene in Saudi Arabia to commence preliminary talks aimed at resolving the conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated on Sunday that if a broader dialogue opportunity arises, it would encompass Ukraine and Europe.
The developments underscore President Trump’s expedited timeline for reaching a peace deal and his preference for negotiating bilaterally with Russia, at least for the time being. Ukraine confirmed on Sunday that it would not participate in the discussions in Saudi Arabia.
The Paris meeting will include Starmer along with leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark, alongside high-ranking officials from the European Union and NATO. They aim to deliberate on the ongoing war and broader European security issues.
In his article, Starmer urged fellow leaders to enhance military expenditures and take on a more substantial role within NATO. He also stated that Ukraine’s path towards NATO membership is “irreversible.”
Looking ahead, Starmer, who is expected to meet with Trump in the near future, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between Europe and the United States to achieve a sustainable peace agreement. He remarked, “A U.S. security guarantee is vital for lasting peace, as only the U.S. has the capacity to deter Putin from further aggression.”
