UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has backed U.S. President Donald Trump’s view on the need for European countries to take on a larger share of responsibility for collective defence, marking a shift in his stance on European security.
In an interview with the New York Times, published today, Starmer expressed that Europe must consider defence and security in a more immediate and practical way. “Many urge us to choose between the U.S. and Europe — that would be a mistake,” he stated. He went on to acknowledge that “President Donald Trump is right when he says European countries need to take on a bigger share of their common defence.”
Starmer added that, on a personal level, he has a good relationship with Trump but pointed out that some of the U.S. president’s actions, including the imposition of a 25% tariff on British steel and his stance on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, have caused some disorientation.
While addressing the ongoing tensions between Europe and Russia, Starmer emphasised his distrust of Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying, “I don’t trust him. I’m sure he will try to ensure Ukraine remains defenseless after any peace deal, as that gives him exactly what he wants — the opportunity to return.”
A Fight for Transatlantic Unity
The 62-year-old British Prime Minister is working to prevent any potential rupture in the transatlantic alliance between Europe and the United States, which has been the cornerstone of international security since World War II. “We knew deep down this moment would come, when Russian tanks crossed into Ukraine,” Starmer said, reflecting on Europe’s increased vulnerability and rising tensions within NATO.
According to the New York Times, Starmer is pursuing the creation of a multinational military force – a “coalition of the willing” – to secure Ukrainian airspace, ports, and borders after a potential peace agreement.
However, the UK faces challenges on multiple fronts. As the New York Times points out, Russia has already rejected the prospect of a NATO peacekeeping force, and Trump has yet to provide the necessary security guarantees, a key issue for Starmer before any countries commit troops. Apart from the UK and France, no other European country has made specific commitments.
On the diplomatic front, Starmer is trying to convince President Trump of NATO’s strategic importance. However, this effort is proving difficult, given that Trump has previously referred to the 75-year-old alliance as a “club of freeloaders,” with countries benefitting from U.S. military protection without sufficiently contributing to the shared costs of defence.
