Keir Starmer Signals Readiness to Deploy Troops to Ukraine Amid Shifting Global Tensions
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made a bold statement ahead of critical talks in Paris, declaring that he is prepared to deploy British troops to Ukraine if necessary, as European leaders scramble to address a seismic shift in global policy.
This comes just hours before top European officials meet to discuss the growing uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump’s shock policy reversal on the war in Ukraine.
Last week, Trump blindsided European leaders by sidelining Kyiv and its allies, engaging Russian President Vladimir Putin in discussions about potential peace talks.
Trump, who suggested he could meet Putin “very soon,” has stirred controversy by indicating that Europe might no longer be Washington’s top security priority, leaving NATO allies in a state of alarm.
Describing this moment as “once-in-a-generation,” Starmer voiced his commitment to Ukraine’s security, writing in the Daily Telegraph: “Any role in helping to guarantee Ukraine’s security is helping to guarantee the security of our continent, and the security of this country.”
The UK’s readiness to send troops underscores the gravity of the situation, as the conflict reaches a critical juncture.
While Trump has expressed confidence that Putin may genuinely want peace, his administration has cast doubt on Ukraine’s future, with US Defence Chief Pete Hegseth suggesting that NATO membership for Ukraine or the full recovery of its territory might not be on the table.
The urgent Paris meeting will bring together leaders from the UK, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark. As the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches, this high-stakes gathering aims to chart a course for Europe’s security in the face of shifting US priorities.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s office emphasized the importance of this summit, explaining that Europe’s response to the Ukraine crisis must be more unified and decisive. “There is a need for Europeans to do more, better, and in a coherent way for our collective security,” an advisor from Macron’s office said.
Meanwhile, Moscow has pushed for negotiations between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, which are expected soon. These talks will not only focus on Ukraine but also broader European security, as Putin continues to demand limits on NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe and a reduced US role on the continent.
The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever
The situation continues to evolve rapidly, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio downplaying expectations of an immediate breakthrough. Speaking to CBS, Rubio stressed that “a process towards peace is not a one-meeting thing” and emphasized that the talks are still in their early stages.
Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has suggested that Europe will not be directly involved in negotiations, though it will still have a say in shaping the broader discussions.
In the face of these shifting dynamics, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a bold call for a European army, arguing that Europe could no longer rely on the US for its security.
As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, the stakes have never been higher. With European leaders scrambling to secure a unified response, the coming days could be pivotal in shaping the future of the conflict and the balance of power in Europe.
Stay tuned for updates from Paris as leaders meet to discuss the fate of Ukraine and the future of European security.
