British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged European nations to “step up” in securing a lasting peace in Ukraine while making a landmark commitment to deploy British troops to support any agreement reached with Russia.
“We are facing a once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of our continent,” Starmer wrote in an op-ed for The Telegraph on Sunday. “This is not only a question about the future of Ukraine—it is existential for Europe as a whole.”
UK Pledges Long-Term Support for Ukraine
Starmer emphasized Britain’s role in shaping Ukraine’s security future, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to nearly $4 billion in military support for Kyiv through at least 2030. He also signaled a readiness to send British forces to Ukraine if necessary.
“The UK is ready to play a leading role in accelerating work on security guarantees for Ukraine,” Starmer wrote. “But it also means being ready and willing to contribute to security guarantees to Ukraine by putting our own troops on the ground if necessary.”
“I do not say that lightly,” he added. “I feel very deeply 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 helping to guarantee the security of our continent and the security of this country.”
The commitment makes Starmer one of the few NATO leaders to suggest deploying allied forces inside Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron has previously advocated for similar measures, while Baltic nations such as Estonia and Lithuania have also expressed openness to the idea.
Divisions Within NATO as U.S. Pursues Peace Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has long insisted that concrete security guarantees from Western allies are essential for any peace deal with Russia, serving as a deterrent against renewed aggression. However, NATO members have remained cautious about Ukraine’s aspirations for rapid accession to the alliance, which would trigger Article 5 collective defense obligations.
Starmer’s remarks come amid growing fractures in NATO-Ukraine relations, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally announced direct peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump administration officials have also made it clear that U.S. support for Kyiv has limits.
Ahead of the Munich Security Conference, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Ukraine will not be offered NATO membership in the near future and that Kyiv is unlikely to reclaim all of its occupied territories. He also reaffirmed that American troops would not be sent to Ukraine as part of any peace settlement.
Vice President JD Vance criticized European allies for inadequate military readiness, saying the continent must “step up in a big way.” He also stirred controversy by accusing Europe of failing to address migration and free speech issues.
Trump Administration Pushes Ukraine on Rare Earth Deal
While pressing for a peace deal, the Trump administration is also seeking access to Ukraine’s estimated $500 billion worth of rare earth metals. Zelenskyy refused to approve a draft of the agreement over the weekend, telling the Associated Press that the deal “is not ready to protect us, our interests.”
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday, where he will be joined by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. The U.S. delegation is expected to begin negotiations with top Russian officials.
In a Sunday interview with Fox News, Witkoff confirmed that talks are taking place at Trump’s direction. “Hopefully, we’ll make some really good progress with regard to Russia-Ukraine,” he said.
When asked whether Kyiv would be pressured into concessions, Witkoff responded, “I’m not dismissive of the details. They’re important. But I think the beginning here is trust-building.”
“It’s getting everything to understand that this war does not continue, that it should end,” he added. “That’s what the president has directed us to do—to negotiate a proper ending of this war. No more death.”
Uncertain Future for Ukraine in Peace Talks
The talks in Riyadh follow Trump’s recent phone conversation with Putin, during which he discussed the framework for negotiations. Trump has suggested he expects to meet Putin in Saudi Arabia shortly.
However, it remains unclear whether Ukraine will be included in these discussions. Kyiv and European leaders have urged Washington to ensure that Ukraine plays a central role in any negotiations, but the extent of their involvement remains uncertain.
