UK may join Germany in US weapons deal for Ukraine, Starmer says

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signalled the UK may join Germany in purchasing U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine, as Western allies intensify efforts to bolster Kyiv’s defences against Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a press conference in London, Starmer confirmed that talks were underway between the UK, the U.S., and other European partners about jointly acquiring advanced defence systems for Ukraine, though no final decision has been made, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“We’re working with allies on the provision of capability,” Starmer said, adding that “the backup that sits behind that to make sure any capability is effective in Ukraine.”

The initiative, reportedly led by U.S. President Donald Trump, would see NATO member states fund the purchase and transfer of American-made weaponry to Ukraine. The proposal includes Patriot missile batteries—each costing over $1 billion—as well as mid-range Typhon missile systems. Trump has also issued a stark warning to Moscow, pledging 100% “secondary tariffs” unless President Vladimir Putin agrees to a ceasefire within 50 days.

Germany has already moved ahead with plans to finance two Patriot systems for Kyiv, while also exploring a separate purchase of Typhon missiles. Chancellor Merz confirmed that “defence ministers are negotiating the details” and that deployment would take “days and weeks, not hours,” due to the logistical complexity of delivery and installation.

The announcement came as the UK and Germany signed a new Kensington Treaty on July 17, a landmark bilateral defence agreement pledging mutual assistance in the event of an armed attack, deeper cooperation on export licensing for jointly developed weapons, and the delivery of a new long-range missile system within the next decade.

By Vugar Khalilov