Keir Starmer has called on Europe to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine. But Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz isn’t having it! He stormed out of a crisis summit in Paris, branding the UK’s proposal ‘completely premature’ and ‘highly inappropriate.’
Scholz walks out of summit!
The high-stakes meeting at the Elysee Palace was meant to present a united front for Ukraine. Instead, it exposed deep divisions. Scholz left early, visibly irritated. He slammed Starmer’s plan, warning that Europe was discussing Ukraine’s fate without Kyiv’s approval.
Following the talks, Mr Scholz appeared to have been angered by Sir Keir’s commitment as he insisted talk of sending soldiers to Ukraine was ‘completely premature’ and ‘highly inappropriate’ while the war is ongoing.
After leaving the Elysee Palace, he added: ‘I am even a little irritated by these debates, I want to say that quite frankly.‘
European leaders split on troop deployment!
Starmer’s push for a multinational force has met resistance. Germany, Poland, Italy, and Spain are skeptical. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the plan ‘the most complex and perhaps the least effective.’ Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk outright rejected the idea of sending Polish troops.
Read More Trump ‘could withdraw US troops from Baltics and leave Europe vulnerable to Russia’ article image ‘The discussion is being held over Ukraine’s head, over the outcome of peace talks that have not taken place and to which Ukraine has not said yes…
‘This is highly inappropriate, to put it quite frankly and honestly.’
Other countries, such as Italy and Spain, indicated they were undecided about joining a peacekeeping force while Poland ruled itself out.
UK, France and Sweden stand firm!
Despite opposition, Britain, France, and Sweden remain in favor of deploying forces. The exact number of troops remains unclear, but military experts suggest at least 100,000 would be needed. Starmer insists this is the only way to deter further Russian aggression.
Starmer demands US support!
The British Prime Minister insists a European peacekeeping force needs a US ‘backstop.’ He argues that without American guarantees, Russia will not take any peace deal seriously. He is set to meet President Trump in Washington next week to push for US involvement.
Trump’s envoy to Ukraine has not ruled out sending American troops. But Trump’s defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has cast doubt on Ukraine’s ability to reclaim lost territory. He warns US military support for Europe ‘may not last forever.’
Will Trump abandon the Baltics?
Fears are growing that Trump could withdraw US forces from the Baltic states, leaving Europe vulnerable to Russian aggression. European leaders are scrambling to prepare for this possibility. Without US backing, the continent could be at Putin’s mercy.
Scholz doubles down!
After the summit, Scholz did not hold back. He blasted Starmer’s proposal again, calling it ‘highly inappropriate’ and ‘completely premature.’ He insists Europe should not discuss sending troops before peace talks even take place.
At a press conference, Starmer refused to back down. ‘At stake is not just the future of Ukraine, it is an existential question for Europe as a whole, and therefore vital for Britain’s national interest,‘ he declared. ‘Only a lasting peace in Ukraine that safeguards its sovereignty will deter Putin from further aggression in the future.‘
On defence, it’s clear the US is not going to leave Nato, but we Europeans will have to do more… On Ukraine, we’re at the very early stage of the process. 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.’
Europe’s future at stake!
As tensions rise, the fate of Ukraine—and Europe—hangs in the balance. Will Starmer’s vision become reality, or will Scholz’s caution prevail? One thing is certain: the continent is at a crossroads, and the stakes have never been higher.
