'US security guarantee' the only path to peace in Ukraine, Starmer says
A "US security guarantee" is the only path to peace in Ukraine, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
Speaking in Paris after an emergency summit, the prime minister said a "US backstop" is the "only way to effectively deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again".
And he said the future of Ukraine is not the only thing at stake.
"It is an existential question for Europe as a whole, and therefore vital for Britain's national interests," he commented.
"This is a once in a generation moment for the collective security of our continent."
Any peace deal for Ukraine must "safeguard its sovereignty" and deter Vladimir Putin from engaging in "further aggression in the future", he added.
He joined the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark and the European Union at the Elysee Palace, alongside NATO secretary general Mark Rutte.
Sir Keir said: "Europe must play its role, and I'm prepared to consider committing British forces on the ground alongside others if there is a lasting peace agreement.
"So I will go to Washington next week to meet President Trump and to discuss what we see as the key elements of a lasting peace."
Earlier, he said he wanted the UK and "all European allies to step up" on funding and training to defend Ukraine.
The US and Russia are meeting in Saudi Arabia to discuss the conflict in Ukraine. Neither the EU nor Ukraine have been invited to the talks.
Donald Trump has said the US no longer sees the defence of Europe as its primary concern, and has called on European nations to spend more on their defence budgets.
On Sunday night, Sir Keir confirmed that he was willing to deploy British troops to Ukraine in a peacekeeping role.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.