Keir Starmer Says Europe Must Take the Lead in Ukraine While Seeking U.S. Backing

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on Europe to take the lead in securing peace in Ukraine while emphasizing the need for strong U.S. backing to prevent Russia from violating any potential ceasefire. Following high-level discussions in London with more than a dozen European leaders, Starmer made it clear that Europe must "do the heavy lifting" in ensuring stability in the region. His remarks come as the war in Ukraine continues with no clear resolution in sight.

Starmer’s push for greater European involvement highlights a shift in strategy as Western allies work to establish a long-term plan for Ukraine’s security. While European nations are expected to bear most of the responsibility, the UK leader stressed that any successful peace effort must have the support of the United States. "Europe must do the heavy lifting, but to support peace in our continent, and to succeed, this effort must have strong U.S. backing," Starmer told reporters after the meeting.

As part of the broader security discussions, Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have proposed deploying British and French troops to Ukraine to help uphold a potential ceasefire. This move is part of a wider effort to form what Starmer described as a "coalition of the willing," a group of countries willing to contribute resources and manpower to ensure lasting peace.

Several nations have reportedly shown interest in joining the coalition, though Starmer refrained from naming them, stating that each country would make its own decision about how to contribute. "A number of countries have indicated today that they want to be part of the plan that we are developing," he said. "I'll leave them to make their own statements about exactly how they want to make that contribution."

Starmer also emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that those willing to participate "will intensify planning now with real urgency." He acknowledged that not every nation would be able to commit troops or resources but insisted that this should not deter those who can. "Not every nation will feel able to contribute, but that can't mean that we sit back," he said.

The UK prime minister is also pushing for the U.S. to provide security guarantees, though former President Donald Trump has not yet committed to any formal support. Despite concerns about the level of U.S. involvement, Starmer remains optimistic that Washington will back the effort. "I would not be taking this step down this road if I didn't think that it was something that would yield a positive outcome in terms of ensuring that we move together, Ukraine, Europe, UK, and the U.S.," he stated.

He further dismissed concerns about America’s commitment to its allies, stating that the U.S. is "not an unreliable ally." His remarks come amid uncertainty over the future of U.S. foreign policy, particularly as Trump has signaled a more isolationist approach, focusing on domestic issues rather than international conflicts.

Meanwhile, Italy appears to be taking a more cautious approach to Starmer’s proposal. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni indicated that Italy is unlikely to contribute troops, stating that "the presence of Italian troops in Ukraine at this stage has never been on the agenda." She also expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of such a strategy, calling it a "solution that risks being very complex and probably less decisive than others."

As part of the UK's broader commitment to Ukraine, Starmer also announced a significant military aid package. Ukraine will now be able to use £1.6 billion ($2 billion) of UK export finance to purchase more than 5,000 air defense missiles. This deal underscores Britain's ongoing military support for Ukraine, even as the war drags on with no immediate end in sight.

Starmer’s remarks and policy decisions reflect a growing recognition that Europe must take more responsibility for Ukraine’s security. With uncertainty over future U.S. involvement, European leaders are stepping up their efforts to create a long-term security framework that ensures Ukraine’s sovereignty. By calling for a coalition of willing nations and proposing troop deployments, Starmer and Macron are setting the stage for a more proactive European role in maintaining stability in the region.

The war in Ukraine has already reshaped global alliances, and Starmer’s comments suggest that the UK and its European partners are preparing for a future where they cannot solely rely on the U.S. to lead security efforts. While U.S. backing remains crucial, European nations are positioning themselves to take greater ownership of regional stability.

Despite the challenges and differing opinions among European leaders, Starmer’s plan represents a significant shift in how the West approaches the war in Ukraine. By emphasizing European leadership while still seeking American support, the UK prime minister is trying to balance geopolitical realities with the need for strong international cooperation.

As the situation in Ukraine evolves, the success of Starmer’s approach will depend on how many countries ultimately commit to the coalition and whether the U.S. chooses to provide the backing he seeks. For now, Europe is moving forward with its own strategy, signaling a new phase in the ongoing efforts to secure peace in Ukraine.