The Impressive TimesLondon, Feb. 17, 2025: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Sunday that he is “prepared and willing” to deploy British troops in Ukraine if required. Starmer affirmed that Britain was “ready to take a leading role” in supporting Ukraine’s defense and security, including a pledge of £3 billion (around $3.8 billion) annually until 2030. He emphasized that this commitment goes beyond just military aid, stating that Britain is prepared to offer security guarantees to Ukraine, which could involve placing British forces on the ground if necessary.
“I do not say this lightly. I am acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with potentially putting British servicemen and women in harm’s way,” Starmer remarked. This is the first time Starmer has explicitly mentioned the possibility of sending British peacekeepers to Ukraine. While he has previously expressed Britain’s willingness to contribute to any peace agreement, this marks a more direct statement regarding troop involvement.
Starmer highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that this moment in history represents a critical juncture for the collective security of Europe. “This is not just about the future of Ukraine; it is an existential issue for Europe as a whole,” he wrote.
The UK Prime Minister’s comments come ahead of an emergency summit in Paris, where he will join European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The summit will focus on Ukraine’s ongoing conflict and the role of Europe in its resolution.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced that negotiations to end the nearly three-year-long war in Ukraine will begin “immediately” following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This has raised concerns across Europe, as many fear being excluded from the peace talks. These concerns were heightened after remarks by Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, who stated on Saturday that Europe would not have a place at the negotiating table.
Starmer is expected to meet with Trump in Washington by the end of this month, according to British media reports, which may further shape Britain’s stance on the future of Ukraine and its role in the peace process.
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