UK PM Keir Starmer signals readiness to deploy troops in Ukraine

Starmer’s statement comes amid efforts to involve European nations in peace talks with Russia.

Listen to article

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed readiness to send British troops to Ukraine as part of a postwar peacekeeping force, to help secure a lasting peace and deter further aggression from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In an article published in The Daily Telegraph, Starmer emphasized that such a decision would not be taken lightly but was necessary to maintain Europe’s security.

Starmer highlighted the importance of involving European nations in any future peace talks with Russia, signaling that the UK was prepared to play a role in securing peace in Ukraine.

He stated that Britain’s involvement would help guarantee Ukraine’s security after the conflict. He reiterated that the deployment of British forces was contingent on the success of peace negotiations, but added that the potential cost, both politically and humanely, was something he did not take lightly.

“I do not say that lightly,” Starmer wrote. “I feel very deeply the responsibility that comes with potentially putting British servicemen and women in harm's way.”

The UK Prime Minister suggested that British troops could be deployed to oversee the peace process and ensure Russia’s compliance with any future agreements.

Starmer’s comments came after a week of discussions regarding the future of Ukraine’s role in peace negotiations.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had stated that Ukraine and Europe must be part of any "real negotiations" to end the war.

The UK Prime Minister’s stance was also underscored by his participation in talks with European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, to align Europe’s position on the crisis.

Starmer's remarks also come as tensions mount following US President Donald Trump's unexpected engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump's actions have raised concerns among European allies about the lack of consultation before peace talks were initiated.

The UK Prime Minister is set to travel to Washington soon to meet US officials and discuss the next steps in the peace process.

In his statement, Starmer underlined that Britain could play a "unique role" in mediating between Europe and the US during the peace talks.

“Europe and America must continue to work closely together – and I believe the UK can play a unique role in helping to make this happen,” Starmer said.

The UK’s involvement in peacekeeping efforts would mark a significant commitment to the security and stability of the region. Starmer stressed that the outcome of the war would have far-reaching consequences not just for Ukraine, but for the future of European security as a whole.