LONDON – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that the UK is prepared to send troops to Ukraine as part of a potential peacekeeping mission, underscoring the need for a lasting resolution to the conflict.
Speaking ahead of a crucial emergency summit in Paris, Starmer emphasized that any peace agreement must prevent further aggression from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Starmer made it clear that Britain is ready to contribute to Ukraine’s security guarantees, including deploying troops if necessary.
Acknowledging the seriousness of such a decision, he noted that the responsibility of placing British servicemen in harm’s way is not one he takes lightly.
The UK’s stance adds pressure on other European nations, particularly Germany, to consider greater involvement in a European-led peacekeeping force.
European leaders are set to convene in Paris to discuss the evolving security landscape in Ukraine and formulate a defense strategy amid shifting US policy.
US and Russia Begin Ceasefire Talks in Riyadh
While European leaders deliberate their role in securing Ukraine’s future, preliminary discussions between American and Russian officials on a ceasefire are set to commence in Riyadh. This marks the first direct negotiation between the two powers in over two years.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov later this week. However, the absence of Ukrainian or European representatives at these talks has sparked concerns across the continent.
Many European officials fear that Russia may use this opportunity to impose conditions, such as Ukrainian neutrality and a division of influence over the region, without Kyiv’s input.
The direct engagement between Washington and Moscow signals a notable shift in US policy, potentially leaving European nations to take on a greater role in Ukraine’s security.
European Summit in Paris to Address Peacekeeping Strategy
In response to these developments, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an urgent summit in Paris with key European leaders.
Among those attending are German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The summit aims to establish a unified European position on the Ukraine crisis and discuss the feasibility of a European peacekeeping mission should a ceasefire be reached.
Starmer’s comments have intensified debate within Europe about the continent’s role in securing peace in Ukraine.
Former British army chief Lord Richard Dannatt recently told the BBC that the UK’s armed forces are currently overstretched and may not be in a position to spearhead a peacekeeping operation.
Despite these concerns, Starmer asserted that Britain could serve as a key intermediary between Europe and the United States in shaping a peace agreement.
With the Paris summit poised to address Europe’s readiness to engage more directly in Ukraine’s future, the question of military commitments remains open.
While Starmer’s statements reflect the UK’s willingness to take action, the broader European consensus on deploying troops remains uncertain.
As diplomatic efforts continue on multiple fronts, the outcome of the Paris summit and the Riyadh negotiations will play a critical role in determining the next phase of the Ukraine conflict and Europe’s security landscape.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
