
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer calls for US security guarantee to ensure peace in Ukraine, signaling a potential shift in British foreign policy.
If the agreement is made, he said, he’ll send troops to Ukraine…but why?
At a Glance
- Starmer emphasizes the need for a US “security guarantee” to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine
- The UK PM is open to committing British forces on the ground if a peace agreement is reached
- European leaders gathered for an emergency summit in Paris to discuss the ongoing conflict
- Concerns raised over President Trump’s approach to European diplomacy
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy underscores the importance of robust security guarantees
Starmer’s Bold Stance on Ukraine
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for a crucial US security guarantee as an essential component for achieving lasting peace in Ukraine. The statement comes as the conflict approaches its three-year mark, with Russian aggression showing no signs of abating.
Starmer’s position, outlined during an emergency summit in Paris, marks a potential shift in British foreign policy and highlights the perceived importance of American involvement in resolving the ongoing crisis.
The Prime Minister’s stance is clear: without a strong US backstop, the path to peace in Ukraine remains uncertain. This perspective underscores the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the conflict and the perceived necessity of coordinated international efforts to counter Russian threats.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says European nations must be "absolutely clear" that any security guarantee relating to a Ukraine peace deal "must be with a US backstop".
Ukraine war latest: https://t.co/QYEclXw6pC
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— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 17, 2025
The emergency summit in Paris brought together leaders from the UK, Germany, France, and other EU nations to discuss strategies for addressing the Ukraine conflict. However, the meeting also revealed divergences among European leadership on peacekeeping approaches. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed caution about discussing peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, emphasizing the inappropriateness of talks that exclude Ukraine itself.
Starmer’s willingness to commit British forces on the ground, contingent upon a lasting peace agreement, is perhaps the biggest surprise of this entire situation. However, he insists that such a move would require a US security guarantee as a prerequisite. This position highlights the delicate balance European leaders are trying to strike between showing support for Ukraine and avoiding further escalation of the conflict.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged President Donald Trump to offer Ukraine security guarantees alongside Europe as part of a potential peace deal, following a meeting of European leaders in Paris. https://t.co/zM5xXqKrF7
— Bloomberg Politics (@bpolitics) February 17, 2025
US-Russia Talks and European Concerns
The Paris summit was held in response to US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, which notably excluded Ukraine and other European nations. This development has raised concerns among European leaders about their role in shaping the future of the region. Starmer emphasized the need for Europe to adapt to a new era and not rely on past comforts, signaling a call for a more proactive European stance in global affairs.
Adding to the complexity of the situation are concerns over President Trump’s approach to European diplomacy. His stance has caused unease among NATO allies and Ukrainian officials, potentially complicating efforts to present a united front against Russian aggression. The divergence in approaches highlights the challenges in coordinating an effective international response to the ongoing conflict.
Is the British PM completely out of line for making comments like this?