Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, has revealed that he’s willing to send British troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force to end the war with Russia.
This bold move could put UK forces “in harm’s way” if Vladimir Putin launches another attack.
In a significant shift in policy, Starmer acknowledged that the UK is “ready to play a leading role” in Ukraine’s defence and security, including a commitment of £3bn a year until 2030.
The Crisis in Ukraine: A “Once in a Generation Moment”
The Prime Minister described the crisis as a “once in a generation moment” and an “existential” question for Europe.
With emergency talks scheduled with European leaders in Paris, the UK is keen to devise a strategy in response to Donald Trump’s push for a deal with Russia.
The US President’s plans have raised concerns that the US might reduce its defence commitments in Europe, leaving the continent vulnerable to further aggression.
UK’s Military Role in Ukraine: A Change in Policy
Starmer’s comments mark a significant change in policy, as previous UK Prime Ministers had refused to consider sending British soldiers to Ukraine.
However, with the war raging on for over a year, the UK is now willing to provide troops to a multinational peacekeeping force. The move is subject to diplomatic efforts and a negotiated settlement to the conflict.
The Cost of War: Financial and Human
The UK’s military involvement in Ukraine would come at a cost, not just financially but also in terms of human lives. Starmer acknowledged the risks, saying, “I do not say that lightly.
I feel very deeply the responsibility that comes with potentially putting British servicemen and women in harm’s way.”
The UK’s defence budget of £64bn, which is 2.33% of GDP, is already under strain, and military chiefs believe that an increase in spending is necessary to meet existing commitments.
A Lasting Peace: The US Role and Ukraine’s Future
Starmer emphasized that a lasting peace in Ukraine requires a US security guarantee, as only the US can deter Putin from attacking again.
He also warned against negotiating a peace deal without Ukraine’s involvement, saying, “We must be clear that peace cannot come at any cost.
Ukraine must be at the table in these negotiations because anything less would accept Putin’s position that Ukraine is not a real nation.”
The UK Prime Minister’s comments come as representatives of the US administration and Russian counterparts are set to meet in Saudi Arabia for talks, without Ukrainian officials present.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Uncertainties
As the UK considers deploying troops to Ukraine, the road ahead is fraught with challenges and uncertainties.
The UK’s military chiefs are pushing for an increase in defence spending to 2.65% of GDP, while Labour has promised to increase it to 2.5% of GDP. The US, meanwhile, is calling for all European countries to increase their defence spending to 5%.
With the crisis in Ukraine showing no signs of abating, the UK’s decision to deploy troops could be a significant turning point in the war.