Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine will fail unless it includes robust security guarantees from Western powers. Speaking to MPs on Monday, Starmer said European history shows that peace agreements without sufficient military backing often lead to greater conflict. He accused Vladimir Putin of repeatedly seeking more territory when given the chance.
Starmer reiterated UK support for Kyiv as Ukraine faces mounting US pressure to accept a Trump-backed peace plan. He emphasised the need for a 'coalition of the willing' to provide guarantees alongside the US, a framework he established with French President Emmanuel Macron. The Prime Minister also called for European countries to increase defence spending, saying it is time for them to 'step into the breach'.
Separately, MI6 chief Blaise Metreweli accused Putin of 'dragging out negotiations' over Ukraine, stating the Russian leader is not serious about ending the war except on terms favourable to the Kremlin. She described Putin's historical distortions as a tactic and insisted UK support for Ukraine is enduring, as it is fundamental to European and global stability.
Starmer spoke ahead of a dinner in Berlin with leaders from eight European countries, the European Commission, the EU Council, and Nato. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was in Berlin for talks with US officials, described the discussions as 'not easy' but productive. Over the weekend, Zelenskyy offered to drop Ukraine's Nato ambition in exchange for 'article-5-like' security guarantees from Europe and the US.
The UK has offered to commit troops to a multinational force defending Ukraine, but this requires logistical support from Washington, the status of which remains unclear. Starmer reiterated his belief in Euro-Atlantic security mechanisms but stressed the need for Europe to step up on defence spending, capability, and coordination.
