Starmer expresses readiness to send troops to Ukraine as UK seeks stronger European defense efforts

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed willingness to deploy troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force. He emphasized that the UK and Europe must enhance their collective defense efforts amid concerns over reduced US commitments in the region. Starmer will meet European leaders in Paris to discuss strategies for supporting Ukraine. He stated that Europe needs to provide realistic solutions for a lasting peace and called for increased defense spending, aiming for 2.5% of the economy. The upcoming talks in Paris will include leaders from several European nations and NATO. Meanwhile, US officials are set to meet with Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia, but Ukraine will not be part of those discussions.