Countries across Europe must “step up” their defence capabilities and funding to protect Ukraine, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said.

The UK and Europe face a “generational challenge” and “need to do more” to defend Ukraine’s long-term security, he added.

His comments come ahead of an emergency meeting in Paris, where European leaders will discuss concerns the US is moving forward with Russia on peace talks that will lock out the continent.

US and Russian officials are to meet in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, without representatives from Europe or Ukraine attending.

“We need to step up in terms of our collective response in Europe, and by that I mean capability,” Sir Keir said.

“By that, I mean playing our full part when it comes to the defence of the sovereignty of Ukraine if there’s a peace agreement.”

It comes after the prime minister said he was “ready and willing” to put UK troops on the ground in Ukraine to help guarantee its safety as part of a peace deal.