A “US security guarantee” is the one path to peace in Ukraine, Sir Keir Starmer has mentioned.
Talking in Paris after an emergency summit with European leaders, the prime minister mentioned a “US backstop” is the “only way to effectively deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again”.
And he mentioned the way forward for Ukraine just isn’t the one factor at stake.
“It is an existential question for Europe as a whole, and therefore vital for Britain’s national interests,” he commented.
“This is a once in a generation moment for the collective security of our continent.”
It’s a “new era”, he mentioned, by which nations can not “cling hopelessly to the comforts of the past”.
Any peace deal for Ukraine should “safeguard its sovereignty” and deter Vladimir Putin from participating in “further aggression in the future”, he added.
Ukraine warfare newest: Russia provides extra particulars forward of peace talks with US
Picture:
Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron in Paris: Pic: Quantity 10/Flickr
The PM joined the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark and the European Union on the Elysee Palace, alongside NATO secretary normal Mark Rutte.
Sir Keir mentioned: “Europe must play its role, and I’m prepared to consider committing British forces on the ground alongside others if there is a lasting peace agreement.
“So I’ll go to Washington subsequent week to satisfy President Trump and focus on what we see as the important thing components of a long-lasting peace.”
It is “clear the US just isn’t going to go away NATO”, Sir Keir mentioned.
Picture:
Sir Keir Starmer leaving the assembly with nationwide safety adviser Jonathan Powell. Pic: AP
He went on: “But we Europeans will have to do more. The issue of burden sharing is not new, but it is now pressing and Europeans will have to step up, both in terms of spending and the capabilities that we provide.
“I spoke to President Zelenskyy on Friday. I’ll accomplish that once more within the coming days. And we envisage additional [engagement] with European colleagues after I return from the US.”
Britain will “take a number one duty, as we at all times have”, the prime minister said, adding that “democracy should prevail”.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
1:50
Starmer ‘ready to ship troops to Ukraine’
The US and Russia are assembly in Saudi Arabia to debate the Ukraine warfare.
Donald Trump has mentioned the US now not sees the defence of Europe as its main concern, and has referred to as on European nations to spend extra on their defence budgets.
On Sunday evening, Sir Keir confirmed he was prepared to deploy British troops to Ukraine in a peacekeeping function.
Earlier on Monday, Downing Road didn’t rule out a doable vote on that topic.
