Keir Starmer has expressed his willingness to station British troops in Ukraine for an extended period to secure any future peace agreement. The prime minister has indicated the UK’s commitment to maintain a military presence “for as long as it takes” to deter further aggression from Russia, following discussions with 29 allied nations. The peacekeeping mission, currently in the planning phase, aims to involve as many as 30,000 troops, with France, Canada, and Australia also expected to contribute forces.
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While the UK government is prepared to take on this long-term responsibility, key details surrounding the deployment remain unresolved, such as the rules of engagement for British soldiers in the event of a Russian attack. The plan has raised concerns about the size of the UK’s Armed Forces and its capacity to sustain a prolonged campaign, especially given the British Army’s current resources. Analysts have questioned whether the UK can handle such a commitment independently, pointing out limitations in manpower and defence assets.
International reactions to the proposed mission have been mixed. Moscow has warned that the presence of European troops in Ukraine would be seen as a provocation, while leaders from Germany, Poland, and the US have been hesitant to endorse the plan. However, Starmer has maintained that supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty is essential to European stability, and that the UK and its allies must be prepared to defend any peace deal.
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Domestically, public opinion appears to be supportive of sending peacekeepers, with a majority of Britons backing the idea. Additionally, the UK government has pledged to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, aiming for 3% in the following Parliament. This commitment is seen as crucial in bolstering the UK’s role in maintaining security in Ukraine and beyond.
