Britain has been at the forefront of western countries offering military support for Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, but the question of whether the UK would put troops on the ground to help guarantee any peace deal will be a big test for Starmer.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged on Thursday to work with Ukraine and allies to offer Kyiv robust security guarantees if a ceasefire is negotiated with Russia, offering more support to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy with a 100-year partnership deal.