UK calls for US security guarantee in Ukraine peace deal

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer

The UK has stressed that any peace deal in Ukraine must include a US-backed security guarantee to deter future Russian aggression, according to the BBC.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the need for a "US backstop" as European leaders met in Paris to discuss concerns over the Trump administration's unilateral peace negotiations with Russia. Starmer also reiterated that the UK could deploy troops to Ukraine as part of a multinational force to maintain a lasting peace.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed scepticism, calling discussions about sending troops "premature" and indicating irritation at the idea. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Kyiv was not consulted on the upcoming US-Russia peace talks in Saudi Arabia and would not recognize any agreement made without its involvement.

Sir Keir acknowledged that Europe must "step up" in response to Russia’s long-term security threat, with or without full US backing. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that European nations, along with the US and Ukraine, would work together on any peace framework.

The meeting also followed remarks by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who indicated that European nations would need to take greater responsibility for their own security, sparking concerns about NATO’s future role in the region.

Starmer’s proposal for a UK troop presence in Ukraine would likely be part of a larger European-led security effort. Experts warn that such a force would require significant military investment, with General Sir Adrian Bradshaw stating that it "cannot be a token force" and must be able to deter Russian aggression effectively.

Former British Army head Lord Dannatt estimated that such a force would require around 100,000 troops, with the UK contributing a substantial portion. However, he cautioned that the UK does not currently have the military capacity to fulfil this role without major defence budget increases.

The UK government has pledged to raise defence spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP but has not set a clear timeline. Starmer noted that an increase in spending was necessary to meet evolving security challenges and maintain NATO commitments.

While some European leaders, such as Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have called for increased defence spending,

others remain hesitant. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Poland would not deploy troops but would continue providing military and financial support to Ukraine.

No consensus has emerged on Europe’s exact role, though UK officials argue that not all nations need to contribute troops. British diplomats acknowledge internal divisions but stress that US involvement remains essential to any long-term security arrangement.

Analysts, including Malcolm Chalmers of the Royal United Services Institute, suggest that deploying NATO troops in Ukraine after a ceasefire would be a significant defeat for Russia, making it unlikely that Moscow would agree to such terms. However, European leaders continue to explore options for deterring future conflicts while securing a lasting peace.

Any deployment of UK troops would require parliamentary approval, with Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey expressing confidence that lawmakers would support the measure. However, Starmer’s spokesperson cautioned that these discussions remain premature.

As diplomatic efforts continue, fighting on the ground persists. Russian airstrikes killed at least three civilians over the weekend, and attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have led to emergency blackouts. Russia’s defence ministry reported the destruction of 90 Ukrainian drones overnight, underscoring the ongoing hostilities despite peace negotiations.