ALBAWABA- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine’s borders, emphasizing that the only effective response is deterrence and force.
He praised the resilience of the Ukrainian people, calling their courage "inspiring" in the face of an ongoing nightmare.
In a major defense policy shift, the Prime Minister announced a significant increase in military spending, raising it to 2.5% of the UK’s gross national product—equivalent to £30 billion annually.
He stressed that security demands require a reassessment of the country’s military industries, with increased defense funding coming at the expense of other overseas spending.
Despite this strategic shift, the UK will continue its humanitarian efforts in crisis zones, including Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to strengthening alliances, stating that deeper partnerships and leveraging domestic capabilities will be crucial for creating new opportunities.
Acknowledging past missteps, he admitted that the West was "three years late" in responding to Russia’s invasion. To bolster European security, the UK is prepared to deploy forces in Ukraine, provided American guarantees are secured.
He also announced plans to host a summit with global leaders at the end of the week to discuss the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and reinforce alliances with European nations.
