UK ready ‘to put boots on the ground’ to support Ukraine peace deal: Starmer

WASHINGTON

The UK is ready “to put boots on the ground and planes in the air” to support peace in Ukraine, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Thursday.

"We discussed a plan today to reach a peace that is tough and fair, that Ukraine will help shape, that is backed by strength, to stop (Russian President Vladimir) Putin coming back for more,” Starmer said at a news conference with US President Donald Trump after a meeting at the White House.

"I'm working closely with other European leaders on this, and I'm clear that the UK is ready to put boots on the ground and planes in the air to support a deal, working together with our allies, because that is the only way that peace will last," he added.

Starmer said they had "a very productive" discussion.

"Obviously, as the president says, the deal has to come first. But yes, our teams are going to be talking about how we make sure that deal sticks, is lasting and enforced. So our teams will be talking about that," he added.

The UK will host 18 countries on Sunday to further talks on Ukraine, Starmer noted.