The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, expressed readiness to send British troops to Ukraine if necessary to ensure security guarantees.
In a column for The Telegraph, he mentioned that during his visit to Paris, he would urge Europeans to increase defense spending, take a more active role in NATO, and maintain efforts to supply weapons to the Ukrainian army, ensuring the country has a strong position before negotiations.
Starmer emphasized that the UK is prepared to take a leading role in expediting work on security guarantees. This includes support for the Ukrainian army as well as the willingness and readiness to deploy its troops if required:
"I do not say this lightly. I feel a deep responsibility that comes with the potential threat to British servicemen. However, any role in helping to guarantee Ukraine's security is also a contribution to the safety of our continent and the security of this country. The end of this war, whenever it comes, cannot merely be a pause before Putin attacks again."
At the same time, the British Prime Minister noted that only the United States can deter Putin from launching another attack, making American support and security guarantees essential for lasting peace.
"In the coming days, I will meet with President Trump and work with him and all our G7 partners to help secure the robust deal we need," he added.
Starmer stressed that peace cannot be achieved at any cost, and Ukraine must be at the negotiating table: "Otherwise, Putin will agree with the notion that Ukraine is not a real nation."
He also stated that a situation similar to Afghanistan must not be repeated, where the U.S. "conducted direct negotiations with the Taliban and dismantled the Afghan government":
He called for continued support for Ukraine's irreversible path to NATO and for increasing economic pressure on Russia. In particular, he urged action to cap oil prices, target the "shadow fleet," oil giants, and banks that help Moscow evade sanctions:
"These decisive days ahead will determine the future security of our continent. As I will say in Paris, peace comes through strength. But the reverse is also true. Weakness leads to war."
Negotiations for Peace
As is known, European countries are considering the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine to ensure compliance with the terms of a future peace settlement with Russia and to provide security in the region.
Amid statements from the new American President Donald Trump regarding negotiations with Putin, Europeans fear that their position will not be taken into account in the resolution of the conflict.
Reports indicate that an emergency summit of European leaders will take place today in Paris, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron. Participants will include German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and other high-ranking officials.
The main topic of discussion will be providing Ukraine with real security guarantees. One proposed option is automatic membership acquisition for Ukraine in NATO in the event that Russia violates a potential ceasefire or peace agreement.