‘Ukraine Must Not Be Forced…’: Starmer Says Britain Will Play Leading Role in Peace Deal

London: As uncertainty grows over the Ukraine war after Trump and Zelenskyy showdown, British Prime minister Kier Starmer has now said that UK will play a “leading role” in the peace deal and Kyiv must not be forced into a “weak deal”.

During a Parliament session in UK on Monday, Starmer said, Britain will play a "leading role" in securing peace in Ukraine. He added, "Feel very strongly" that the future of Ukraine is essential for our own security.

Ukraine Must Not Be Forced Into ‘Weak Deal’

The day before European leaders summit, Starmer hosted Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy where said that he is determined to find an end to Russia’s war on Ukraine, Now he said that Ukraine's allies cannot accept “a weak deal” like the Minsk accords, signed in 2015 after Russia invaded Crimea and eastern Ukraine.

Starmer said he is willing to deploy “boots on the ground and planes in the air” to secure peace as he pointed to the failure of previous peace deals.

British Prime Minister Starmer said he takes None of these decisions "lightly".

UK Funds USD 2 Billion for Ukraine

During the European leaders summit on Sunday, Starmer announced that UK will use the funds of 1.6 billion pounds ($2 billion) in export financing to supply 5,000 air defense missiles for Ukraine.

Also read: Starmer Pledges £1.6 Billion for 5,000 Air Defense Missiles to Ukraine

He added that the plan he is working on for peace in Ukraine is intended to receive US backing.

The announcement came two days after US support for Ukraine appeared in greater jeopardy after President Donald Trump lashed out at Ukrainian President and said Volodymyr Zelenskyy wasn’t grateful enough for US support.

Starmer Rejects SNP Calls to Scrap Trump’s State Visit

Keir Starmer has dismissed calls from the Scottish National Party (SNP) to cancel a proposed second state visit for Donald Trump, following the former US president’s tense exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House.

The dispute erupted when Trump accused Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War Three” during a heated confrontation. Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, called the exchange “deeply troubling” and suggested the state visit could not go ahead unless Trump showed full commitment to supporting Ukraine.

However, Starmer brushed off the criticism, accusing the SNP of “ramping up the rhetoric” and emphasizing that his focus remained on diplomatic efforts to secure peace in Europe.