Sir Keir Starmer was left squirming after he was challenged over what Ukraine‘s allies would do if Donald Trump took Vladimir Putin‘s side in a potential peace deal. The British prime minister was talking to the media after hosting a call between leaders in Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand on Saturday (March 15).

He was asked what would happen if Putin didn’t come to his senses and continued to put “unreasonable” demands on any ceasefire deal or negotiated settlement to end the Russia–Ukraine war. The PM appeared startled when asked what plan B is if Mr Trump took Putin’s side given “uncertainty” over the US leader’s commitment to European defence. The Prime Minister stumbled for words, before answering: “Well, firstly, we need to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position for whatever comes next.”

Sir Keir added that London is talking to Washington everyday and he is clear Mr Trump is committed to securing a lasting peace and everything the US President is doing is to achieve that outcome.

He went on to say that the special relationship between the US and UK is as strong as it’s ever been.

During the press conference, Sir Keir said military chiefs from countries whose leaders dialled into the call will soon discuss what the “coalition of the willing” force could do on the ground.

He said: “The operational meeting is where the discussions are taking place as to what the capabilities will be. I’ve indicated a willingness for the United Kingdom to play a leading role in this and indicated that, if it’s necessary, that will be troops on the ground and planes in the sky.

“There are different capabilities from different countries, but those are the operational discussions that are going on in relation to what this coalition of the willing will be able to provide.”

He added that a deal has to be struck first and pressure needs to be applied to get Russia around the negotiating table.

Sir Keir also told reporters in London that the issue of using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine‘s war effort had been discussed in the call as well as the possibility of imposing further sanctions.

The PM urged Putin to sign up to a ceasefire deal if he is “serious about peace”. His message comes after Putin signalled on Friday (March 14) that he agreed in principle to such a deal, but said there are certain “nuances” on the ground which have to be considered.

This includes Russia‘s current advantage in the war, with Russian troops on the brink of reclaiming its Kursk region, which Ukraine has occupied since last summer.

At the end of the virtual meeting with allies in the “coalition of the willing”, Sir Keir said the Kremlin’s “dithering and delay” over Mr Trump’s ceasefire proposal and Russia’s “continued barbaric attacks” on Ukraine ran “entirely counter” to Putin’s stated desire for peace.

About 25 countries were involved in the call, including France, Italy and Ukraine. Leaders from Australia, Canada and New Zealand, as well as officials from NATO and the European Union’s executive, also took part. The United States was not represented at the meeting.