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UK army describes Ukraine ‘peacekeeping’ strategy as ‘political theater’
(MENAFN) Senior UK military officials have criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s proposal to deploy Western troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force, calling it premature and politically driven, The Telegraph reported on Sunday. According to high-ranking military sources, Starmer has "got ahead of himself" with the idea.
Earlier this month, Starmer introduced the initiative, aiming to form a "coalition of the willing" to support Ukraine. He claimed that several nations backed the idea of sending up to 10,000 troops, despite Russia's firm opposition to Western military presence in the conflict zone.
While London hosted planning discussions with allied military officials last week, sources dismissed the proposal as lacking a clear strategic foundation. One senior army official told The Telegraph, “There is no defined military end-state or strategic planning—it’s all political theater.”
The discussions have reportedly shifted away from ground troop deployment and are now focusing on air and naval support. According to the report, the UK may send RAF fighter jets to patrol Ukrainian airspace, and British Typhoons could provide air cover for Ukrainian forces. However, details regarding the potential ground force remain uncertain.
Another defense source criticized the plan, questioning its purpose and effectiveness. “What would a 10,000-strong international force stationed 400km from the front line even accomplish? It can’t protect itself, let alone enforce a ceasefire,” he argued. He also raised concerns over the mission’s legitimacy, rules of engagement, command structure, and long-term viability.
Further planning discussions are set to take place in London on Monday between British and French defense officials. Reports suggest French President Emmanuel Macron is exploring the possibility of involving the UN to authorize a European troop presence in Ukraine. However, Russia has firmly rejected the idea, emphasizing that such a move would require UN Security Council approval, where Moscow holds veto power.
Earlier this month, Starmer introduced the initiative, aiming to form a "coalition of the willing" to support Ukraine. He claimed that several nations backed the idea of sending up to 10,000 troops, despite Russia's firm opposition to Western military presence in the conflict zone.
While London hosted planning discussions with allied military officials last week, sources dismissed the proposal as lacking a clear strategic foundation. One senior army official told The Telegraph, “There is no defined military end-state or strategic planning—it’s all political theater.”
The discussions have reportedly shifted away from ground troop deployment and are now focusing on air and naval support. According to the report, the UK may send RAF fighter jets to patrol Ukrainian airspace, and British Typhoons could provide air cover for Ukrainian forces. However, details regarding the potential ground force remain uncertain.
Another defense source criticized the plan, questioning its purpose and effectiveness. “What would a 10,000-strong international force stationed 400km from the front line even accomplish? It can’t protect itself, let alone enforce a ceasefire,” he argued. He also raised concerns over the mission’s legitimacy, rules of engagement, command structure, and long-term viability.
Further planning discussions are set to take place in London on Monday between British and French defense officials. Reports suggest French President Emmanuel Macron is exploring the possibility of involving the UN to authorize a European troop presence in Ukraine. However, Russia has firmly rejected the idea, emphasizing that such a move would require UN Security Council approval, where Moscow holds veto power.
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