The UK Prime Minister has called for European nations to strengthen their defence capabilities, emphasizing the need for a unified response to the security challenge posed by Moscow.
Speaking ahead of a high-level summit in Paris, the Prime Minister stressed that Europe must "step up" and take on a greater role in ensuring Ukraine's sovereignty. The meeting, hosted at the Élysée Palace, brings together European leaders to discuss their stance on ongoing US-Russia peace talks.
During the summit, the Prime Minister is expected to push for European troops to be part of a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine. Writing in a newspaper column, he reaffirmed the UK's willingness to contribute forces if necessary, stating that Britain is "ready and willing" to play a direct role in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security.
His remarks align with growing concerns that the United States may reduce its direct military support for Ukraine. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged European allies to increase their defence spending and take greater responsibility for regional security. In line with this shift, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth recently stated that Europe must prepare to take the lead in safeguarding its own security.
A Downing Street spokesperson reinforced this position, stating that the Prime Minister will advocate for Europe to assume a stronger role within NATO and ensure that Ukraine receives the necessary military support.
As discussions continue, European officials have signaled their support for increased defence spending. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas recently highlighted the necessity of greater military investment, stating that "to prevent war, we need to spend more, that is clear."
The Prime Minister’s proposal includes the possibility of sending British troops to Ukraine as part of an international force responsible for maintaining stability in areas affected by the conflict. Experts, however, have cautioned that such an operation would be a significant undertaking.
Malcolm Chalmers, deputy director of the Royal United Services Institute, pointed out that a peacekeeping force designed to deter Russia would require extensive resources beyond what traditional UN missions provide. "This would not be an observational mission," he explained. "It would need well-armed, highly capable forces, backed by air support and logistical reinforcements."
Former NATO commander General Sir Adrian Bradshaw echoed this sentiment, stressing that any deployed force must be sufficiently powerful to prevent further Russian aggression. "It cannot be a symbolic force," he stated. "It must be able to deter and, if necessary, respond to any threats effectively."
Estimates suggest that a European-led peacekeeping force would need at least 100,000 troops, with the UK potentially contributing up to 40,000 personnel. However, former British Army chief Lord Dannatt has warned that such numbers are currently beyond the UK’s immediate capabilities. "We simply do not have that many troops readily available," he noted, adding that preparing the military for such a deployment would require significant investment.
The UK government has pledged to increase defence spending from the current 2.3% of GDP to 2.5%, though no clear timeline has been set for achieving this target. The Prime Minister has assured allies that the UK remains committed to strengthening its defence capabilities, emphasizing that all European nations must step up their contributions.
The urgency of Monday’s summit has been driven by the Trump administration’s decision to hold direct peace talks with Russia, set to begin in Saudi Arabia. The US has indicated that while European nations and Ukraine will be consulted, they will not have direct involvement in the negotiations.
This exclusion has raised concerns among European leaders, who fear that any agreement reached without their participation may not fully address Ukraine’s security needs. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already stated that his government will not recognize any deal made without Ukraine’s direct involvement.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with President Trump next week to discuss the UK’s role in the evolving security landscape. British officials have suggested that the UK could act as a "bridge" between Europe and the US to ensure that Ukraine’s interests are protected in any peace agreement.
However, some European leaders remain skeptical. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has already ruled out sending Polish troops into Ukraine, though he confirmed continued military, financial, and humanitarian aid.
Experts warn that if European nations fail to act decisively, Ukraine’s security could remain fragile. Prof. Chalmers noted that Russia would likely resist any peacekeeping force stationed in Ukrainian territory, stating, "For Russia, the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine would be seen as a major setback, making it difficult to secure their agreement on such terms."
As fighting continues in Ukraine, with Russian strikes targeting energy infrastructure and military positions, European leaders face mounting pressure to define a clear and unified strategy. The question remains: Will Europe rise to the challenge and take on a leadership role in securing Ukraine’s future?
