Starmer steps up

PM: Europe must boost arms spending to tackle Putin threat | But he'll tell Trump US should play its part and support Ukraine

- DAVE BURKE and LIZZY BUCHAN

WITH Europe and Kyiv frozen out of talks between Russia and the US on a peace deal in the Ukraine war, Keir Starmer last night called for a united front to tackle the growing threat Vladimir Putin poses.

The PM met leaders from across the continent in Paris and urged them to boost defence spending. And he said for the first time he could send British troops to Ukraine as part of a peace-keeping force if an agreement is reached.

Mr Starmer insisted he will also take a strong message to Donald Trump when he meets him in Washington next week that America must play its part in stopping further Russian acts of aggression that could have global consequences.

The US President last week caused alarm by announcing talks with Moscow would take place without President Volodymyr Zelensky.

It also sparked fears he would offer concessions to Putin that could include him keeping the land in Ukraine he has occupied - which many would see as a capitulation to the Russian dictator.

Mr Starmer urged the US President not to turn his back on Kyiv and insisted Mr Zelensky should be at any talks on peace in his own country.

The PM said: "We're facing a generational challenge when it comes to national security. I think there's a bigger peace here as well, which is that this isn't just about the front line in Ukraine.

"It's the front line of Europe and of the United Kingdom. It's our national security.

"Ukraine must be at the table in these negotiations, as anything less would accept Putin's position that Ukraine is not a real nation.