• UK PM Keir Starmer expresses willingness to deploy British troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping effort.
• The proposal follows talks between the US and Russia on ending the conflict in Ukraine.
• Starmer emphasizes the need for Europe to play a significant role in the negotiations for lasting peace.
• Discussions are set to take place among European leaders in response to US involvement.
• Starmer highlights the existential stakes of the conflict for Europe’s collective security.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that he is "ready and willing" to send British troops to Ukraine as part of any peacekeeping operations aimed at ensuring the nation’s security amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. This marked a pivotal change in the UK’s position on military involvement, signaling the seriousness of the current geopolitical climate. In an article for the New York Times, Starmer expressed that securing a lasting peace was vital to deterring Russian President Vladimir Putin from further aggression.

Starmer cited the "once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of our continent," urging that the end of hostilities in Ukraine "cannot merely become a temporary pause before Putin attacks again," as he prepares for an emergency meeting in Paris with European leaders to coordinate a response to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent diplomatic overtures to Russia, which appear to exclude Ukraine from the negotiations. Discussions between American and Russian officials are set to commence in Saudi Arabia this week aimed at establishing the groundwork for a settlement. According to Reuters, Starmer suggested that the UK could act as a bridge in facilitating cooperation between Europe and the United States during the peace talks.

The Prime Minister has expressed his concerns over the potential sidelining of Ukraine in these discussions, reiterating that "securing a lasting peace in Ukraine that safeguards its sovereignty for the long term is essential." He highlighted the urgent need for practical security guarantees, emphasizing that "if there is peace, there needs to be some sort of security guarantee for Ukraine." The UK plans to bolster its military support, with funding already committed to an estimated £3 billion ($3.7 billion) annually until at least 2030.

Starmer's remarks come as European leaders grapple with their security role amidst shifting dynamics due to Trump's approach and the potential exclusion of key allies from pivotal negotiations. With discussions progressing in Saudi Arabia, Ukrainian officials have expressed frustration over their exclusion from talks that will decisively impact the nation's future. As tensions rise and diplomatic efforts evolve, the prospect of UK troops on Ukrainian soil looms as a significant commitment aimed at stabilizing the region and ensuring European security.

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