British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that Europe must “play a significant role in NATO” and work with the United States to “secure the future of Ukraine.” His comments came on the eve of an expected gathering of European leaders in Paris on Monday, although France has not confirmed the meeting.
“If this meeting goes ahead, Starmer will attend the meeting,” a British official told AFP on condition of anonymity. In a statement, British Prime Minister Starmer said, “This is a once-in-a-generation act for our national security. We are faced with the realities of the world today and the threat we face from Russia.”
“It is clear that Europe must play a broader role in NATO. We will move forward together with the United States to secure Ukraine’s future and confront the threat it faces from Russia,” he said. Starmer, who is also expected to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington, said the UK would work to keep America and Europe together.
“We cannot allow any division in the NATO alliance to distract us from the external enemies we face,” he said. Starmer’s comments came after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned on Friday that Europe must increase its defense spending. These moves come even as European leaders are trying to get to the negotiating table to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Trump’s comments that he could meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin as soon as this week and begin talks to end the conflict have shaken the status quo. American allies in Europe are worried that their interests will be sidelined in any deal on Ukraine.
Senior European officials, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, NATO chief Mark Rutte, and US Vice President JD Vance, are gathering in Munich to discuss the roles of Europe, Ukraine, and NATO.
Rutte said the proposed meeting in Paris would focus on “defense spending and planning,” adding, “When an agreement is reached on Ukraine, we are very clear about what Europe can contribute.” A spokesman for French President Emmanuel Macron’s office told AFP that “a possible informal meeting” was being discussed.
