Aleks Phillips & Joe Pike
Sir Keir Starmer has said any Ukraine peace deal would require a "US backstop" to deter Russia from attacking its neighbour again.
Speaking after a hastily convened meeting with European leaders in Paris, he said a "US security guarantee was the only way to effectively deter Russia", and vowed to discuss the "key elements" of a peace deal with US President Donald Trump in Washington next week.
The prime minister repeated that he would consider deploying UK troops to Ukraine in the event of a lasting peace agreement.
But Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a key Nato ally, said for his part, discussing sending troops to Ukraine at present was "completely premature".
Sir Keir said Europe would "have to do more" to defend the continent in the face of the "generational" security challenge Russia posed.
He avoided explaining exactly what he meant by a "backstop" - but his allies suggest this could involve air support, logistics and intelligence capabilities.
The talks at the Élysée Palace were held to discuss concerns over the Trump administration's decision to initiate peace talks with Russia - due to start in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday - alone.
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