UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Says Europe and US Must Work Together to Secure Ukraine's Future

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Says Europe and US Must Work Together to Secure Ukraine's Future

London, February 16, 2025 — UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Saturday that Europe "must take on a greater role in NATO" and collaborate with the United States to "secure Ukraine's future."

His comments come ahead of an expected meeting in Paris on Monday, although France has yet to officially announce the gathering.

Starmer is expected to attend the meeting if it goes ahead, according to an AFP source familiar with the matter.

In a statement, the British Prime Minister said, "This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our national security, where we face the reality of today's world and the threat we face from Russia."

He further stated, "It is clear that Europe must take on a greater role in NATO so that we can work with the United States to secure Ukraine's future and face the threat from Russia."

Starmer, who is also expected to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington soon, added that the UK "will work to ensure we maintain unity between the US and Europe."

"We cannot allow any divisions to weaken our alliance and divert attention from the external threats we face," he said.

Starmer's remarks followed a warning from US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who emphasized that Europe needs to increase its defense spending, as it can no longer assume the permanent presence of American troops on the continent.

These comments come as European leaders are rushing to secure their place in any discussions to end the war in Ukraine.

The issue became more urgent this week when Trump announced he would likely meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon to start talks aimed at ending the conflict, leaving US allies in Europe concerned that their interests may be sidelined in any Ukraine deal.

At the ongoing Munich Security Conference, senior European officials, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, NATO Chief Mark Rutte, and US Vice President JD Vance are all attending.

Rutte stated that the planned Paris meeting "will focus on defense spending and planning so that when a deal is reached in Ukraine, Europe will have clarity on its contributions."

A spokesperson for French President Emmanuel Macron's office told AFP, "Discussions are ongoing about a possible informal meeting."