In a significant move towards establishing a peace deal for Ukraine, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized the necessity of a "US backstop" to deter future Russian aggression. This statement followed a crucial meeting with European leaders held in Paris, where discussions focused on the implications of US-led peace talks with Russia, scheduled to begin in Saudi Arabia.
During the meeting, Starmer reiterated his willingness to consider deploying UK troops to Ukraine if a lasting peace agreement is reached. He asserted that a US security guarantee is essential for effectively discouraging further attacks from Russia. Starmer is set to discuss the critical components of a potential peace deal with US President Donald Trump during their upcoming meeting in Washington next week.
The German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, expressed reservations about the timing of troop discussions, labeling it "completely premature" and voicing irritation over the topic. This divergence in perspectives highlights the ongoing debate among European leaders regarding military involvement in Ukraine.
Starmer stressed that Europe must take greater responsibility for its defense against the "generational" security threat posed by Russia. While he did not elaborate on the specifics of the proposed "backstop," allies suggested it could encompass air support, logistics, and intelligence capabilities. The gathering at the Élysée Palace was prompted by concerns over the Trump administration’s approach to peace negotiations, which some European leaders fear may marginalize their influence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly stated his disapproval of the peace talks, asserting that Kyiv was not informed and would not accept any agreements made without its participation. US officials have indicated that while European nations would be consulted, they would not have a direct role in the negotiations.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of collaboration among European leaders, Americans, and Ukrainians, pledging to continue discussions in the coming days. The summit also followed comments from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who underscored the need for Europe to take primary responsibility for its security moving forward.
Starmer’s commitment to increasing UK defense spending to 2.5% of GDP reflects a broader consensus among European leaders, including Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who have called for a surge in defense investments amid escalating threats from Russia.
The proposed multinational force to monitor the border between Ukrainian and Russian-held territories would require substantial resources and personnel, with experts estimating a need for around 100,000 troops. The UK may contribute a significant portion, but concerns about the current military capacity and costs remain prevalent.
As the situation continues to evolve, the UK government has indicated that any troop deployment would necessitate parliamentary approval, with discussions on this matter expected to unfold in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, fighting in Ukraine persists, with reports of civilian casualties from recent Russian strikes, underscoring the urgency for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.