As tensions between Ukraine and Russia remain high the UK and Europe may need to provide security guarantees to Ukraine regardless of US support according to retired General Sir Nick Carter the former head of the British armed forces Speaking to reports, Carter stressed that while Ukraine must decide what a “fair settlement” looks like European nations must “step up to the plate” if the US withdraws its backing
Starmer to Push for US Security Guarantee
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer who is set to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington next Thursday has asserted that a US security guarantee is “the only way to effectively deter Russia” Meanwhile Foreign Secretary David Lammy has made it clear that the UK is “ready to listen” if Russia is serious about peace while firmly rejecting “Tsarist imperialism”
The divide between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appears to be widening with Washington announcing its intent to engage in direct negotiations with Moscow Starmer has suggested that the UK could provide peacekeeping troops if needed though he insists that a US “backstop” would be required to maintain stability and prevent future Russian aggression However specifics on what this backstop entails remain unclear with suggestions pointing to air support logistics and intelligence capabilities
Trump has indicated that he “would not object” to European nations sending peacekeeping troops but reiterated that the US will not commit troops stating “we’re very far away”
European Leaders Align on Strategy
Starmer’s upcoming visit to the White House follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s planned meeting with Trump on Monday Macron is aiming to coordinate a European response and has already spoken with Zelenskyy ahead of his trip Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to Ukraine insisting that Kyiv must play a key role in any negotiations
China has expressed support for Trump’s diplomatic approach with Foreign Minister Wang Yi stating that “a window for peace is opening” and that China backs “all efforts conducive to peace” including direct US-Russia talks
US-Ukraine Tensions Grow
The friction between Trump and Zelenskyy escalated after the US president labeled Zelenskyy a “dictator” and implied Ukraine was responsible for the war claims dismissed by Zelenskyy as “disinformation created by Moscow” Washington has also urged Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defence
Sir Nick Carter who led the UK’s defence staff from 2018 to 2021 insists that the UK and its allies must take a stand
“Fundamentally there has got to be some form of guarantee of Ukraine’s sovereignty in the future”
However he also issued a stark warning about the state of the UK’s own defences
“The UK armed forces are remarkably hollow after 30 years of neglect Our country is massively vulnerable right now A significant portion of our critical infrastructure relies on undersea cables and cyber defences that are not properly protected”
Carter added that Britain lacks sufficient air defences to withstand an assault similar to Ukraine’s bombardment from Russian drones and missiles
“We might be able to park a destroyer in the Thames to protect parts of London but nothing more than that”
Doubts Over Russia’s Commitment to Peace
Attending the G20 summit in Johannesburg Lammy expressed scepticism over Moscow’s willingness to engage in genuine peace talks having listened to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s speech
“We’ve not got anywhere near a negotiated settlement Based on what I heard from Lavrov today I don’t see an appetite for real peace negotiations” Lammy stated
Lavrov notably boycotted Lammy’s speech in which the UK diplomat insisted Britain was “ready to listen” but expected to hear more than President Vladimir Putin’s “tired fabrications”
As the diplomatic landscape shifts the question remains Will the UK and Europe rise to the challenge if the US steps back With high-stakes discussions on the horizon global leaders must decide whether they will stand firm in defence of Ukraine or leave it to navigate an uncertain future alone
