- Category
- Latest news
Keir Starmer: UK Is Ready and Willing to Deploy Peacekeeping Troops to Ukraine
- Authors
![Vlad Litnarovych]( "Vlad Litnarovych")
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declared he is “ready and willing” to deploy British troops to Ukraine to enforce a potential peace deal, The Telegraph reported on February 16.
Starmer emphasized that he did not take the decision to consider putting British servicemen and women “in harm’s way” lightly. This marks the first time he has explicitly acknowledged the possibility of British forces participating in a European peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.
His remarks come ahead of a high-stakes meeting in Paris, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The emergency summit was called after European leaders were excluded from early-stage Ukraine peace talks between the United States and Russia, and senior officials in Donald Trump’s camp indicated that US security commitments to Europe may be scaled back.
By taking a public stance, Starmer is increasing pressure on European allies—particularly Germany, which remains hesitant—to support the idea of a European-led peacekeeping force. He also suggested that the UK could serve as a crucial bridge between Europe and the United States in the Ukraine peace process.
“The UK is ready to play a leading role in accelerating work on security guarantees for Ukraine,” Starmer wrote.
“This includes further support for Ukraine’s military—where the UK has already committed $3.78 billion (£3 billion) annually until at least 2030. But it also means being ready and willing to contribute to Ukraine’s security guarantees by deploying our own troops if necessary.”
He stressed that any security arrangement must prevent Russia from using a ceasefire as a mere pause before launching another invasion.
“I do not say this lightly. I deeply feel the responsibility that comes with potentially putting British servicemen and women in harm’s way. But any role in helping to guarantee Ukraine’s security is also a role in guaranteeing the security of our continent and our country,” he added.
Since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, UK prime ministers have refused to publicly consider sending British troops to Ukraine. However, Starmer has recently indicated openness to Macron’s vision of a European-led peacekeeping force, particularly in light of signals that Trump would oppose US troop involvement.
The concept has gained traction among European officials, with discussions focusing on preventing future Russian aggression following any ceasefire. Some estimates suggest that up to 100,000 troops may be needed for the mission.
A source close to Starmer’s thinking said his decision to speak out ahead of the Paris summit was partly influenced by statements from US officials at last weekend’s Munich Security Conference. Those remarks made it clear that Europe would have to take on a greater role in its own defense.
On February 17 in Paris Starmer will join leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, the European Commission, the European Council, and NATO. One proposal under discussion would see European soldiers stationed away from the frontline, while Ukrainian forces would be deployed at the newly established border.
In addition, Starmer underscored the stakes of the upcoming discussions:
“The crucial days ahead will determine the future security of our continent. As I will say in Paris: peace comes through strength. But the reverse is also true—weakness leads to war. This is the moment for us all to step up, and the UK will do so, because it is the right thing to do for the values and freedoms we hold dear, and because it is fundamental to our own national security.”
Following the Paris talks, Starmer is expected to discuss any agreements with Trump during a visit to Washington later this month.
Earlier, reports emerged that Ukraine prepared a plan for the deployment of partner forces as part of security measures aimed at preventing further Russian aggression following a potential ceasefire.
