British troops could police future peace deal between Russia & Ukraine, says Keir Starmer

He also accompanied Mr Zelensky to lay wreaths at the Ukrainian capital’s Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen.

Bur without a tangible guarantee of whatever borders Ukraine has redrawn by these talks, then what is to stop Putin coming back for more in a few years time?

Sir Keir said: “It’s important that if we get to that stage, that the guarantees are capable of, and effective in, guaranteeing an enduring peace, not a pause.”

Flanked by Sir Keir, he asked “If not now then when?” for membership.

He did not rule out British engagement, saying: “Let me be really clear when I say we will work with you and all of our allies on steps that would be robust enough to guarantee lasting peace and security.

But the PM stopped short of naming a date for Ukrainian accession to the defence alliance.

He told The Sun: “If there are to be security guarantees of some sort the UK will play its part.”

“Those conversations will continue for many months ahead and we are happy to play our part leading those conversations.”

Asked if he feared Mr Trump could walk away from Ukraine, he warned: “The history of the 21st century is being written today.”

Too much blood and too much cash has been spent to for Ukraine to give up all the territory seized by Putin since 2022.

“That’s why it is too early to talk details as we have not had detailed discussions about security guarantees with the new Americans.”

Last night, Sir Keir accepted there was more work to be done within the alliance to convince all 32 members that Ukraine can join.

But at what price?

“But sometimes goodwill is not enough. We need to talk about what format of security guarantees. It can only be a segment, a part.”

“Peace through strength must be more than words — it has to be actions. We will play our part in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security.”

In an interview in Kyiv, Sir Keir said he was confident Mr Trump will not walk away, saying the US leader — set to be sworn in next week — was “acutely aware” Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot be allowed to escape scot free with his aggression.

And acknowledging the potential upheaval Mr Trump’s return to the White House may cause, he added: “There is no security for Ukraine without the USA.

Their meeting was interrupted by air raid sirens and anti-aircraft fire as an unmanned Kremlin reconnaissance craft flew above the presidential palace.

Zelensky says only NATO membership will work – but Trump is sceptical.Starmer insists his new buddy will not pull the plug next week when he returns to the Oval Office.

But the PM warned history taught us aggression cannot be rewarded, and Russia must not be allowed to get away with its raid on Ukraine.

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