Europe must “strengthen” its defensive capabilities to face the “generational” security challenges posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer said .
His remarks come after he wrote that he was “recommended” to place British troops on the ground in Ukraine to ensure security in future peace deals.
Ir Kiel is scheduled to arrive in Paris for a summit of European leaders to discuss concerns about US-Russia talks to end the war that keeps the continent out.
US and Russian officials are scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday without European or Ukrainian representatives present.
“We need to step up in terms of collective response in Europe, meaning capabilities,” Sir Kiel said before a meeting at Elise Palace.
“This means that, if there is a peace agreement, we will play our full role in defending Ukrainian sovereignty.”
The Prime Minister previously wrote in the Telegraph that he was willing to send soldiers to Ukraine along with the troops of other European countries to police the border between Ukraine’s owned territory and Russian territory. Ta.
However, former British Army chief Dannat Lord said that doing so would come at a “slight cost” and would require an increase in military funds.
The UK currently spends around 2.3% of its total economic output on defense. The government has pledged to increase the increase in defence spending to 2.5%, but has not said when this will be achieved.
Sir Kiel told reporters that once the government closes its strategic defense review, it will set a path to meet its 2.5% commitment.
“Part of my message to all European allies is that we all have to step up both our capabilities, our spending and our funds,” he said.
“It includes the UK, so I promised to spend more.”
Sir Kiel will later meet with leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands and Danish, the President of the Council of Europe and the European Commission, and Mark Latte, NATO Director-General.
The rushed arrangement of the summit was announced over the weekend after Trump administration officials proposed that European countries, including Ukraine, should consult with Russia on peace talks, but did not directly involve them.
Ukrainian President Voldymir Zelensky said Kiev had no knowledge of the consultations and would not accept the agreement that was made without involvement.
Also, Ukraine will return to pre-2014 borders before U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegses last week to annex Crimea and acquire the South and East parts of the country in full full in 2022. He expressed concern after stating that expecting the – Scale invasion.
Hegseth also downplayed the prospect of Ukraine joining the Mutual Defense Alliance NATO – something with Ir Kier said it was heading towards a “irreversible” path.
A Downing Street spokesman said the Prime Minister said Monday Summit Europe “must take on a bigger role in NATO.”
Sir Kiel said this “will provide further support to Ukrainian troops” and “we are ready to contribute to safety assurances by placing our troops on the ground if necessary,” the spokesman added. .
Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tass has already shown that his country will not send troops to Ukraine, but will continue to support it with military, financial and humanitarian aid.
Local authorities say Ukraine’s ground battle continued over the weekend, with at least three civilians killed on a Russian strike on Sunday.
Several regions of Ukraine are under emergency blackouts following attacks on energy infrastructure, but the Russian Ministry of Defense said it intercepted and destroyed 90 Ukrainian drones on Sunday night .
