Ukraine war latest: Starmer says US ‘backstop’ only way to deter Russia

Sir Keir Starmer has said he will ensure the UK is a “leading country” in European nations stepping up support for Ukraine.

He said: “We’re in a very early stage of the discussions at the moment, obviously, and the most important thing as we go into these discussions is to maintain the principle of peace through strength, and what I mean by that is making sure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position.

“It would be a big mistake to think that just because there may be talks that now is the time to back down on any support for Ukraine, we need to ramp it up in my view and I’ve been saying that for many months now.

“What we also need to do is to ensure that if there is an agreement, it is a lasting and enduring and just agreement that secures the sovereignty of Ukraine and that has to be at the heart of it.

“And then, of course, the question of security guarantees.

“But whether it’s on security guarantees or the wider collective defence in terms of funding or capability, I think this is the moment for European countries to step up, and I am going to ensure the UK is a leading country in that endeavour.”

Sir Keir Starmer was asked by a reporter if the United States had undermined the UK, Europe and Ukraine by unilaterally starting talks with Russia.

He replied: “What the United States wants is lasting peace, that’s what Ukraine wants, that’s what the United Kingdom wants and that’s what European allies want.

“What is important is that we ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position, if we go into talks, or if the fighting is to continue, and to ensure that if there’s discussion about any guarantees that are being provided, that the European nations show willing, as I have done, but also are absolutely clear that it must be with a US backstop, because I don’t believe it will be a guarantee if there isn’t the US backstop behind those security guarantees.”

Sir Keir Starmer said it is time for Europe to “take responsibility” for its security.

The Prime Minister said: “I spoke to President Zelensky on Friday and will do so again in coming days and we envisage a further meeting with European colleagues when I return from the US.

“In this moment we have to recognise the new era that we are in, not cling hopelessly to the comforts of the past.

“It’s time for us to take responsibility for our security, for our continent and I’ve been clear today Britain will take a leading responsibility, as we always have, because Ukraine must have a secure future, Europe must have a secure future, Britain must have a secure future and democratic values must prevail.”

Sir Keir Starmer has called for the US to provide a “backstop” to deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again after meeting with European leaders for emergency talks on the war.

The Prime Minister said allies on the continent would have to “step up” in terms of both spending and capability as he spoke following talks with partners in Paris on Monday.

Sir Keir has said he would be prepared to put a peacekeeping force into Ukraine if there is a deal to end the war with Russia.

But after meeting counterparts in the French capital, he added: “Europe must play its role, and I’m prepared to consider committing British forces on the ground alongside others if there is a lasting peace agreement.

“But there must be a US backstop, because a US security guarantee is the only way to effectively deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again.”

Ahead of today’s emergency meeting in Paris, Denmark’s prime minister Mette Frederiksen had said: “We need to increase military support to Ukraine, we need to produce more, and we need to do it faster.

“And then we must remove the restrictions on the Ukrainians’ use of weapons, so that they can actually defend themselves against the Russians without having one arm twisted around their back.

“A ceasefire must not lead to Russian rearmament, which is replaced by new Russian attacks.”

European relations with the US have entered a “new stage”, the Polish prime minister has said.

Donald Tusk, speaking in Paris following an emergency meeting of European leaders, said the return of Donald Trump had created a new environment in Europe.

Leaders are starting to realise that it’s time for them to become more self-reliant and radically increase defence spending, he said, as he called for greater European defence capabilities.

Poland is Europe’s most prolific spender on defence, using almost five per cent of it’s GDP per year.

German chancellor Olaf Scholz has published a picture of today’s emergency meeting of European leaders in Paris.

He captioned the photo: “The situation is difficult for Europe. We welcome the fact that peace for Ukraine is being discussed.

“But that does not mean that there can be a dictated peace and that Ukraine must accept what is presented to it. We have coordinated this closely with Volodymyr Zelensky.”

Sir Keir Starmer has been pictured leaving the Elysee in Paris following an emergency meeting of European leaders.

Poland’s prime minister Donald Tusk was also seen leaving.

German chancellor Olaf Scholz has said that Ukraine must learn to finance its continued support for Ukraine.

Speaking after an emergency meeting of European leaders, Mr Scholz said it was clear that the continent must continue to support Ukraine.

Labour MP Calvin Bailey, a member of parliament’s defence committee, told The Independent that the government must recognise the “considerable resource implications” of committing peacekeeper troops for Ukraine.

He said the UK was taking a welcome leadership role in Ukraine, filling “a huge vacuum” amid political turmoil in France and Germany.

And he said: “These bold commitments come with considerable resource implications, which will need to be addressed in the strategic defence and security review. We must not underestimate the scale of the task ahead of us.”

Our political correspondents Archie Mitchell and Millie Cooke have more details in this report.