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UK contemplates open-ended troop placement in Ukraine
(MENAFN) The UK is planning to station thousands of troops in Ukraine for an extended period as part of a Western peacekeeping mission to oversee a future ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev, The Times reported on Sunday, citing sources.
According to the report, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer outlined the proposal during a virtual meeting of the so-called "coalition of the willing" on Saturday. The initiative, first announced by Starmer and France earlier this month, aims to unite nations willing to provide continued military support for Ukraine amid concerns over possible reductions in US aid.
Following the meeting, Starmer stated that dozens of partner nations support the idea of a peacekeeping force. UK Defense Secretary John Healey is set to meet with military leaders in London this week to finalize details, including the number of troops and deployment timelines.
The proposed force could consist of up to 30,000 troops, with the UK and France contributing the majority. A senior official told The Times that Britain's deployment would be open-ended, potentially lasting for years. "This would be a long-term commitment—however long it takes to maintain a peace deal and deter Russia," the official said.
Starmer clarified that troops would only be deployed after Moscow and Kiev reach a peace agreement and would be tasked with monitoring and enforcing the terms. When asked whether the force would have the authority to engage Russian troops, he declined to comment, stating that further discussions were needed.
Russia has strongly opposed any Western military presence in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously called the idea "completely unacceptable" for Russia’s security, while former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned on Sunday that even a NATO-led peacekeeping mission could escalate into direct war between Moscow and the military alliance.
The proposal comes as Washington and Moscow continue talks on securing a ceasefire in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump has said he plans to discuss a potential peace deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a scheduled call on Tuesday.
According to the report, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer outlined the proposal during a virtual meeting of the so-called "coalition of the willing" on Saturday. The initiative, first announced by Starmer and France earlier this month, aims to unite nations willing to provide continued military support for Ukraine amid concerns over possible reductions in US aid.
Following the meeting, Starmer stated that dozens of partner nations support the idea of a peacekeeping force. UK Defense Secretary John Healey is set to meet with military leaders in London this week to finalize details, including the number of troops and deployment timelines.
The proposed force could consist of up to 30,000 troops, with the UK and France contributing the majority. A senior official told The Times that Britain's deployment would be open-ended, potentially lasting for years. "This would be a long-term commitment—however long it takes to maintain a peace deal and deter Russia," the official said.
Starmer clarified that troops would only be deployed after Moscow and Kiev reach a peace agreement and would be tasked with monitoring and enforcing the terms. When asked whether the force would have the authority to engage Russian troops, he declined to comment, stating that further discussions were needed.
Russia has strongly opposed any Western military presence in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously called the idea "completely unacceptable" for Russia’s security, while former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned on Sunday that even a NATO-led peacekeeping mission could escalate into direct war between Moscow and the military alliance.
The proposal comes as Washington and Moscow continue talks on securing a ceasefire in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump has said he plans to discuss a potential peace deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a scheduled call on Tuesday.
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