The West failed to act decisively when Russian President Vladimir Putin first invaded Ukraine in 2014, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey have argued.
In a joint article for the Daily Telegraph, the two senior ministers called on the UK and Europe to strengthen their defence commitments, ensuring they “do more” to “share the burden” of regional security. Their remarks come as world leaders gather at the Munich Security Conference, where discussions on the war in Ukraine are dominating the agenda.
Western response to Russian aggression
Reflecting on the past two decades, Mr Healey and Mr Lammy accused the West of enabling Mr Putin’s expansionist ambitions. “For twenty years, Putin has sought to recreate the Russian empire and suffocate neighbouring countries. Too often, the West has let him,” they wrote.
They specifically pointed to the lack of a robust response when Russia invaded Georgia in 2008 and first moved into Ukraine in 2014. The ministers warned that Europe and the UK must now act with greater resolve to prevent further destabilisation.
Calls for greater defence investment
Amid rising tensions, former US President Donald Trump’s administration has advocated for Nato members to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP. Mr Lammy and Mr Healey signalled their support for higher European defence commitments, stating: “Europe is united on the need to step up. We are – and we will.”
The comments follow Mr Trump’s claim that he recently spoke with Mr Putin and agreed to work towards a resolution of the war, now approaching its third anniversary. However, UK ministers have insisted that any peace negotiations must include Ukraine’s leadership and not be dictated by external powers.
Ukraine’s security concerns
On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US Vice President JD Vance, reiterating Kyiv’s desire for strong security guarantees. “We want peace very much. But we need real security guarantees,” Mr Zelensky told broadcasters.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reassured Mr Zelensky that the UK remains committed to Ukraine’s Nato membership. This stance contrasts with Washington’s more cautious approach, which has suggested Kyiv may have to concede some territory to Russia and that its Nato aspirations are unrealistic.
In a discussion with Mr Vance, Mr Lammy reaffirmed the UK’s dedication to Ukraine, stating: “We are some way from a negotiated peace, but we stand by Ukraine.” He emphasised that any resolution must be based on “enduring peace” and that Ukraine must be at the centre of negotiations.
European security and NATO’s future role
In their article, Mr Healey and Mr Lammy outlined a three-pronged approach to lasting peace:
- Greater European responsibility – ensuring that European nations strengthen their own defence commitments.
- Long-term US commitment to Nato – maintaining the alliance’s role as a cornerstone of security.
- British support in the Indo-Pacific – reinforcing the UK’s strategic alliances beyond Europe.
At the Munich Security Conference, Mr Lammy participated in discussions on Europe’s geopolitical strategy and future security planning for Ukraine. The UK and Italy are also set to co-host a roundtable discussion on migration, with representatives from Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, and Bulgaria.
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Nato troop deployment considerations
Former Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has suggested that up to 100,000 troops, including British forces, may be needed as a peacekeeping force in Ukraine. Speaking to the BBC’s Newsnight, Mr Rasmussen argued that Nato membership would be the “most efficient and least expensive” way to secure Ukraine’s future.
He further proposed that the UK and France should lead a coalition of the willing to provide security guarantees for Ukraine, deploying troops if necessary.
UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty
Following his meeting with Mr Zelensky, Sir Keir Starmer reiterated the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and its long-term path towards Nato membership. A Downing Street spokeswoman confirmed:
“The Prime Minister began by reiterating the UK’s concrete support for Ukraine, for as long as it’s needed. He was unequivocal that there could be no talks about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
The UK remains committed to providing additional military aid, ensuring that Kyiv’s future as a sovereign state remains secure. With the war at a critical juncture, Western nations face mounting pressure to uphold their commitments to Ukraine and the broader European security framework.
