UK Prime Minister Starmer: “UK Ready to Put Boots on the Ground & Planes in the Air” for Ukraine

On February 27, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, following talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s unwavering support for Ukraine, NATO, and transatlantic security.

“I’m clear that the UK is ready to put boots on the ground and planes in the air to support a deal working together with our allies because that is the only way that peace will last,” Starmer declared.

He underscored Britain’s firm opposition to any settlement that emboldens aggressors like Russia, stressing that any agreement must be shaped by Ukraine and reinforced with strength to deter future war. Citing a well-known British post-war slogan, he stated, “We have to win the peace.”

“The stakes, they couldn’t be higher,” Starmer stressed. “And we’re determined to work together to deliver a good deal. We discussed a plan today to reach a peace that is tough and fair, that Ukraine will help shape—one backed by strength to stop Putin coming back from war.”

The British Prime Minister also reinforced the UK’s increasing military commitment.

“This year, we’ll be giving more military aid to Ukraine than ever. And just this week, I’ve set out how we’re shouldering more of the security burden.” He highlighted Britain’s defense spending surge, describing it as “Britain’s biggest sustained increase in defense spending since the Cold War.”

Acknowledging the transatlantic security dynamic, Starmer backed Trump’s calls for greater European responsibility in NATO.

“Mister President, in this new era, you’re also right that Europe must step up. And let me tell you now, I see the growing threats we face, and so the UK is all in.”

Despite their political differences, Starmer emphasized the shared priorities between the UK and the U.S..

“It’s no secret we’re from different political traditions, but there’s a lot that we have in common. We believe it’s not taking part that counts. What counts is winning. If you don’t win, you don’t deliver,” Starmer said.

The two leaders also discussed economic ties, celebrating the $1.5 trillion in mutual investments and 2.5 million jobs created across both economies. “Our trading relationship is not just strong, it’s fair, balanced, and reciprocal,” Starmer affirmed. “We’re both in a hurry to get things done, and that’s what the UK and US do when we work together. We win, and we get things done.”

While journalists were asking questions, he emphasized: “I’ve made it clear that the United Kingdom will play its full part in ensuring that if there’s a deal, and we hope there is a deal in Ukraine, that that is a lasting deal that sticks. And we’re obviously working with other European countries on that, France and NATO in particular. But I’ve got, I think I’m hosting 18 countries on Sunday to further our discussions.’"

Previously, it was reported that U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met at the White House on February 27 for their first in-person talks after Trump’s election as president.