British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for Europe to take on a greater role in NATO and work closely with the United States to secure Ukraine’s future.

Speaking ahead of a potential European leaders' meeting in Paris on Monday—still unconfirmed by France—Starmer emphasized the urgency of the situation. “This is a once-in-a-generation moment for our national security. We must confront the reality of today’s world and the threat posed by Russia,” he stated.

He underscored the need for a united front, warning against divisions within the alliance. “Europe must step up within NATO while ensuring strong ties with the US. We cannot allow internal disagreements to weaken our stance against external threats,” he added.

Starmer, who is also expected to visit US President Donald Trump in Washington soon, stressed Britain’s commitment to keeping the transatlantic partnership intact.

His remarks come after US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth urged European nations to boost their defense spending, cautioning that they cannot rely indefinitely on the presence of American troops in the region.

Meanwhile, European leaders are scrambling to secure their role in any future negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Tensions escalated after Trump announced plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for potential peace talks, raising concerns that Europe’s interests might be sidelined.

The issue has dominated discussions at the ongoing Munich Security Conference, attended by key figures including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, NATO chief Mark Rutte, and US Vice-President JD Vance.

Rutte stated that the Paris meeting—if confirmed—would focus on defense spending and strategic planning, ensuring Europe plays a decisive role in any post-war settlement.

A spokesperson for French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that discussions were still ongoing regarding a “possible informal meeting.”