UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized the need for a US 'backstop' to deter future Russian aggression towards Ukraine during an emergency summit of European leaders held at the Elysee Palace in Paris.

The summit was convened to address heightened concerns over security in Europe in light of US President Donald Trump's recent suggestions regarding negotiations with Russia.

During the summit, which included discussions with leaders from Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and other European nations, Starmer reiterated that a US security guarantee is essential to prevent Russia from attacking Ukraine again.

He stated, "Europe must play its role, and I’m prepared to consider committing British forces on the ground alongside others if there is a lasting peace agreement, but there must be a US backstop, because a US security guarantee is the only way to effectively deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again."

Starmer's comments are positioned within a broader context where European leaders are grappling with the implications of a potential reduction in US defense commitments.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed reservations about the discussion of European peacekeeping forces, labeling it as "premature" given the ongoing conflict.

As part of the ongoing dialogue, Starmer plans to visit the US next week to discuss security arrangements with President Trump, stressing that allies will need to take more responsibility for their own defense capabilities.

He reinforced that the fate of Ukraine is an "existential question" for Europe, urging all European nations to enhance their defense spending in response to the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Following the summit, Starmer stated that allies must ensure Ukraine is in a strong position as peace discussions progress.

He noted that a unified European stance is crucial, particularly as discussions regarding potential agreements between the US and Russia take shape without direct Ukrainian involvement, an issue underscored by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's insistence that Ukraine must be included in any negotiations.

European leaders have expressed a need for significant increases in military spending to match the growing threats posed by Russia.

Scholz and others discussed potential financial arrangements to support Ukraine's defense, with calls for an independent fiscal pathway to fund increasing military expenditures.

The talks came as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio leads a delegation to Saudi Arabia for discussions with Russian officials about the future of the Ukraine conflict.

Starmer’s comments about the potential deployment of UK troops arose in the context of broader concerns that European nations may need to bolster their military presence if a ceasefire deal is reached.

However, he acknowledged that any commitment of UK troops would be contingent upon robust American security guarantees.

Overall, the events in Paris highlight the urgency among European leaders to secure their region's stability while navigating profound uncertainties in transatlantic relations and the future of military cooperation with the United States.