Keir Starmer: UK and Europe Must “Do More” to ensure lasting peace in Ukraine

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on the UK and Europe to rise to a “generational challenge” and do more to secure lasting peace in Ukraine.

Speaking in Bristol ahead of emergency talks with European leaders in Paris, Starmer emphasized the importance of continuing to support Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.

“We’re facing a generational challenge when it comes to national security,” Starmer told reporters.

“Obviously, the immediate question is the future of Ukraine, and we must continue to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position whatever happens next, and to make sure that if there is peace—and we all want peace—that it is lasting.”

Starmer’s remarks highlighted the urgency of finding a long-term solution to the crisis and ensuring that any peace agreement would be durable.

He added that he would tell his European counterparts that “we’ve all got to step up across Europe,” stressing the need for “realistic and credible answers” to ensure any peace deal holds.

The Paris meeting comes at a pivotal moment, as European leaders work to form a unified strategy in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as concerns about the potential reduction of U.S. defense commitments to the continent.

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Starmer underlined the importance of a collective European response, stating, “I think that we need to do more.

We need to step up in terms of our collective response in Europe.

And by that, I mean capability.”

He emphasized the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, saying it was essential to play a full part in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty if a peace agreement is reached, including providing funding, training, and other necessary resources.