Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has stated that he is “ready and willing” to deploy British troops to Ukraine if necessary, signaling a firm stance on UK military support for Kyiv amid its ongoing war with Russia.
Speaking at a security and foreign policy event, Starmer emphasized the UK’s commitment to standing by Ukraine and ensuring Russian aggression is countered. “We cannot allow Putin to win. If further military support, including boots on the ground, is required, we must be prepared to act,” he said.
His comments mark a significant escalation in rhetoric, as current UK policy has focused on providing military aid, weapons, and training rather than direct troop deployment. The prospect of sending British forces into Ukraine would represent a major shift and could provoke strong reactions from both allies and adversaries.
The Conservative government has so far ruled out deploying troops directly into Ukraine, instead prioritizing logistical and training support in NATO countries. Starmer’s stance may intensify political debate ahead of the next general election, with questions over the UK’s long-term role in the conflict.
Moscow has previously warned that the presence of Western troops in Ukraine would be seen as direct intervention and could lead to escalatory consequences. In response to Starmer’s remarks, Russian officials accused the UK of heightening tensions and “flirting with war.”
As the conflict continues, the UK’s role in supporting Ukraine remains a key issue, with growing discussions over how far Britain and its allies should go in countering Russian advances.
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