UK leader commits to sending British troops to Ukraine

Ahead of a meeting with European leaders on the fate of Ukraine, UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer has said he is prepared to put British troops on the ground along the Russia- Ukraine border as part of a peacekeeping force if a ceasefire is agreed between the two states.

The UK beat any of the EU leaders to committing to supplying troops, with Starmer telling The Telegraph that he had not taken the decision to put them “in harm’s way” lightly.

The troops would only see action, of course, if Vladimir Putin broke any ceasefire deal and launched a further incursion into Ukraine.

Starmer also made it clear that Britain was “ready to play a leading role” in Ukraine’s defense and security.

The UK leader added that aside from a £3 bn a year commitment until 2030 in military aid, safeguarding Europe’s security also meant “putting our own troops on the ground if necessary.”

“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,” Starmer said.

“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 end of this war, when it comes, cannot merely become a temporary pause before Putin attacks again.”

Starmer is the first in a series of UK prime ministers prepared to take such a step since Putin’s invasion in 2022.

Sir Keir is also committed to increasing the UK’s NARO contribution to 2.5% of GDP, just half of the 5% Donald Trump is demanding of his European NATO partners,  despite the fact the US contributes significantly less than that at 3.38%.

Never miss a story! Click here to follow The Daily Digest.