London is ready to send its troops to Ukraine to secure a “good deal” on ending Russia’s full-scale war, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at a press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House on Feb. 27. The announcement marks a significant development in the international response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, demonstrating a robust stance by the U.K. in collaboration with its Western allies. The pledge to deploy British troops underscores the seriousness with which the U.K. views the necessity of establishing a lasting peace in the war-torn region. Starmer’s comments suggest that the U.K. is prepared not only to support Ukraine diplomatically but also to take concrete military action if required.
The high-profile meeting between Starmer and Trump focused heavily on the role of Western allies in securing a durable peace in Ukraine. The discussions aimed at crafting a peace plan that prioritizes Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, emphasizing that any agreement must be shaped with Ukraine’s input. Starmer highlighted the importance of a peace deal “backed by strength” to ensure that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not attempt further aggression. This stance aligns with broader Western efforts to support Ukraine, including sanctions against Russia and military aid to Kyiv, but takes a step further by suggesting direct military involvement if necessary. The meeting also set the stage for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s upcoming visit to Washington, where he is expected to sign a significant minerals agreement with the U.S., potentially bolstering Ukraine’s economic resilience amid the conflict.
According to Starmer, achieving a just peace involves not only negotiating with strength but also ensuring that the international community remains steadfast against Russian expansionism. The U.K. prime minister stressed the need for unity among European leaders, indicating ongoing discussions with his counterparts to coordinate military and diplomatic strategies. His statement, “The U.K. is ready to put boots on the ground and planes in the air to support a deal,” signifies a readiness to contribute both ground forces and air support to maintain stability in Ukraine. This bold commitment signals to both allies and adversaries that the U.K. is willing to take decisive actions to prevent future threats from Russia and solidify peace efforts. The move also places the U.K. at the forefront of European defense initiatives, showcasing its leadership role in responding to international crises.
While U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out sending American troops to Ukraine, he encouraged European allies to take the lead in securing post-war stability. This strategic positioning reflects a shift in the U.S. approach, emphasizing support through diplomacy, economic aid, and military resources rather than direct involvement on the ground. The potential deployment of a European-led peacekeeping force, with contributions from the U.K. and France, could see up to 30,000 soldiers stationed in Ukraine. Such a force would be considerably smaller than the 100,000 to 150,000 soldiers suggested by President Zelensky as necessary to effectively deter Russia. Nonetheless, a smaller, well-coordinated force with clear objectives could still play a vital role in maintaining peace and preventing the resurgence of hostilities.
Despite the U.K. and France showing a willingness to engage, other European nations remain cautious about sending their troops to Ukraine. Concerns over escalation, limited military resources, and the potential political ramifications at home contribute to this hesitancy. The reluctance of some countries to commit forces underscores the complexity of assembling a robust international peacekeeping mission. However, with Starmer’s declaration and Trump’s encouragement, there is potential for a coalition of willing nations to emerge. If successful, this coalition could reinforce Europe’s strategic autonomy and reduce the region’s reliance on U.S. military intervention while ensuring that Ukraine has the necessary support to rebuild and secure its borders against future threats.
