UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed readiness to deploy British troops to Ukraine if necessary, just hours before European leaders convene in Paris to address Washington’s unexpected policy shift on the war.
The urgency follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, bypassing Ukraine and its European allies, to discuss potential negotiations to end the conflict. With Trump suggesting he could meet Putin “very soon,” European leaders are hastening to Paris for high-level discussions on security.
Starmer, describing the situation as a “once-in-a-generation moment,” stressed that supporting Ukraine’s security is crucial for the stability of Europe. Writing in the Daily Telegraph, he stated that British forces could be deployed if needed to ensure continental security.
Meanwhile, Trump’s administration has downplayed Ukraine’s NATO membership prospects and signaled a shift away from prioritizing European security. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also suggested Kyiv may not regain all territories lost since 2014.
The Paris meeting, attended by leaders from the UK, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, and top EU and NATO officials, aims to address the evolving crisis. French officials emphasized the need for Europe to act more decisively in ensuring regional stability.
As discussions unfold, the Kremlin has pushed for negotiations in Saudi Arabia, broadening talks beyond Ukraine to European security. However, concerns persist that Putin could revive demands to limit NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, ahead of his diplomatic tour in the Middle East, downplayed expectations for an immediate resolution, stating that any path to peace would require a long-term process involving Ukraine.
Amid growing uncertainty, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for the creation of a European army, asserting that the continent can no longer rely solely on Washington for defense. European foreign ministers have reaffirmed that any lasting peace must involve Ukraine and its allies, underscoring the continent’s role in shaping the war’s resolution.
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