KEIR Starmer has announced a £1.6 billion finance deal which will allow Ukraine to buy more than 5000 missiles, following a summit of European leaders in London.
The Prime Minister told a press conference that the missiles “will be made in Belfast, creating jobs in our brilliant defence sector”.
Starmer added: “This will be vital for protecting critical infrastructure now and strengthen Ukraine in securing the peace when it comes because we have to learn from the mistakes of the past”.
Leaders including French president Emmanuel Macron and Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte gathered at Lancaster House in London on Sunday to forge a common position on ending the war.
The Prime Minister told those present that “this is a once in a generation moment for the security of Europe and we all need to step up".
At a press conference after, he set out what had been agreed at the summit, adding that “any deal must be backed by strength”.
Starmer said after the summit: "Every nation must contribute to that in the best way that it can, bringing different capabilities and support to the table, but all taking responsibility to act, all stepping up their own share of the burden.
"So we agreed some important steps today. First, we will keep the military aid flowing and keep increasing the economic pressure on Russia, to strengthen Ukraine now.
"Second, we agreed that any lasting peace must ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, and Ukraine must be at the table.
"Third, in the event of a peace deal, we will keep boosting Ukraine’s own defensive capabilities to deter any future invasion.
"Instead, those willing will intensify planning now with real urgency, the UK is prepared to back this with boots on the ground and planes in the air, together with others. Europe must do the heavy lifting.”
It comes after extraordinary scenes played out at the White House on Friday when US President Donald Trump clashed with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Trump accused Zelenskyy of "gambling with World War Three" and, along with his vice-president JD Vance, accused the Ukrainian president of being ungrateful for US aid in fighting against Russia’s invasion.
Starmer has said he still trusts Trump despite the heated exchange and told reporters after the summit that he did not accept the US had become an "unreliable ally".
He has also refused to accept calls from SNP leader John Swinney to cancel an invitation to Trump for an unprecedented second state visit.
Starmer said “the US has been a reliable ally to the UK for many, many decades, and continues to be".
The Prime Minister said strong US backing is still required to secure peace.
He said: “To support peace in our continent, and to succeed, this effort must have strong US backing.
“We’re working with the US on this point after my meeting with President Trump last week, and let me be clear, we agree with the President on the urgent need for a durable peace, now we need to deliver together.
“Finally, we agreed that leaders will meet again very soon, to keep the pace behind these actions and to keep working towards this shared plan.
“We are at a crossroads in history today. This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act. Time to step up and lead and to unite around a new plan for a just and enduring peace. “
He said that discussions on Sunday – “particularly around the coalition of the willing” – were on the basis “that this is a plan we will work with with the US and that it will have US backing”.
