British prime minister says force would need protections such as air cover that only US can provide Keir Starmer has urged Donald Trump to provide a US “backstop” to a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine, saying it is the only way to deter Russia from attacking the country again.The UK prime minister’s appeal to Trump came after an emergency summit in Paris that heard widespread calls by European leaders for a large boost in defence spending. Continue reading...
At a summit convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, European leaders discussed the need for a US "backstop" to deter future Russian attacks on Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the necessity of US support, including air cover and logistics, for a potential European peacekeeping force. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz opposed discussing troop deployment without US backing, while other leaders, like Poland and Italy, expressed skepticism about sending troops without clarity on US involvement. The summit highlighted concerns over US efforts to negotiate a ceasefire without European input, with leaders advocating for increased European defense spending and a unified stance against Russian aggression. The situation underscored tensions in transatlantic relations and the need for a cohesive strategy to support Ukraine.
