March 2, 2025
Starmer: Europe Must Bear the Burden, But Requires US Support
Following crisis talks on Ukraine, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer outlined key steps discussed by leaders in private on Sunday.
"We Will Keep Military Aid and Economic Pressure on Russia to Strengthen Ukraine Now," Starmer stated at the press conference.
He emphasized that "Any Lasting Peace Must Ensure Ukraine’s Sovereignty and Security" with Ukraine involved.
In the case of a peace deal, he mentioned, "We Will Continue to Enhance Ukraine’s Defensive Capabilities to Deter Future Invasions."
Starmer also pointed to plans for "a coalition of the willing" to guarantee peace in Ukraine. "Those willing will now intensify planning with urgency."
He noted that his country "is Prepared to Support this with Troops and Planes, Alongside Others," but underscored that Europe "must bear the heavy lifting, but to support peace in our continent and succeed, this effort must have strong US backing."
"We Are at a Crossroads in History Today. This is Not a Moment for More Talk. It’s Time to Act, Step Up, and Unite Around a New Plan for a Just and Enduring Peace," Starmer stated.
He also informed reporters that any future peace deal will necessitate Russia’s participation.
"In the end, a deal will have to involve Russia, of course, it will, but we can’t approach this on the basis that Russia dictates the terms of any security guarantee before we’ve even got to a deal, otherwise, we won’t make any progress at all," Starmer said.
Starmer Rejected the Notion That the US is “an Unreliable Ally.”span>
"Nobody wanted to see what happened last Friday," he said, referring to the Oval Office dispute between Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump. "But I do not accept that the US is an unreliable ally."