UK considers indefinite troop presence in Ukraine – Times
Up to 30,000 Western troops could reportedly be stationed in the country as part of a long-term peacekeeping force. The UK is planning to deploy thousands of troops in Ukraine “for years” as part of a Western peacekeeping initiative aimed at...
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Up to 30,000 Western troops could reportedly be stationed in the country as part of a long-term peacekeeping force.
The UK is planning to deploy thousands of troops in Ukraine “for years” as part of a Western peacekeeping initiative aimed at overseeing a future ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev, according to a report by The Times on Sunday, which cited sources. This proposal was reportedly presented by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a virtual meeting of the ‘coalition of the willing’ on Saturday.
Starmer initially introduced plans for the coalition in partnership with France earlier this month, aiming to unite nations willing to continue military support for Ukraine amid growing concerns over potential cuts in US aid. Following Saturday’s meeting, Starmer stated that numerous partner nations support the deployment of a peacekeeping force. UK Defense Secretary John Healey is scheduled to meet with military leaders in London this week to discuss specifics, including troop numbers and deployment plans.
As reported by The Times, the proposed force could consist of up to 30,000 troops, with the UK and France expected to provide the majority. An anonymous senior official indicated that the British presence would be open-ended.
“It would be a long-term commitment, we are talking about years. As long as it takes to preserve a peace deal and deter Russia,” the official added.
Starmer emphasized that the troops would only be sent after Moscow and Kiev reach a peace agreement, with the intention of monitoring and maintaining it. When asked whether the peacekeeping force would hold the authority to engage Russian forces, Starmer refrained from providing a response, stating that such matters would be addressed in the days to come.
Russia has firmly rejected the notion of a Western military presence in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated last month that the idea is “completely unacceptable to Russia” due to associated security risks. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, cautioned on Sunday that the deployment of NATO forces, even under the guise of a peacekeeping mandate, would lead to direct conflict between Moscow and the military alliance.
Starmer’s discussions come in the context of US and Russian efforts to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump has indicated that he anticipates discussing the potential for a peace agreement regarding the Ukraine conflict with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Tuesday.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
The UK is planning to deploy thousands of troops in Ukraine “for years” as part of a Western peacekeeping initiative aimed at overseeing a future ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev, according to a report by The Times on Sunday, which cited sources. This proposal was reportedly presented by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a virtual meeting of the ‘coalition of the willing’ on Saturday.
Starmer initially introduced plans for the coalition in partnership with France earlier this month, aiming to unite nations willing to continue military support for Ukraine amid growing concerns over potential cuts in US aid. Following Saturday’s meeting, Starmer stated that numerous partner nations support the deployment of a peacekeeping force. UK Defense Secretary John Healey is scheduled to meet with military leaders in London this week to discuss specifics, including troop numbers and deployment plans.
As reported by The Times, the proposed force could consist of up to 30,000 troops, with the UK and France expected to provide the majority. An anonymous senior official indicated that the British presence would be open-ended.
“It would be a long-term commitment, we are talking about years. As long as it takes to preserve a peace deal and deter Russia,” the official added.
Starmer emphasized that the troops would only be sent after Moscow and Kiev reach a peace agreement, with the intention of monitoring and maintaining it. When asked whether the peacekeeping force would hold the authority to engage Russian forces, Starmer refrained from providing a response, stating that such matters would be addressed in the days to come.
Russia has firmly rejected the notion of a Western military presence in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated last month that the idea is “completely unacceptable to Russia” due to associated security risks. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, cautioned on Sunday that the deployment of NATO forces, even under the guise of a peacekeeping mandate, would lead to direct conflict between Moscow and the military alliance.
Starmer’s discussions come in the context of US and Russian efforts to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump has indicated that he anticipates discussing the potential for a peace agreement regarding the Ukraine conflict with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Tuesday.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
