Starmer Envisions ‘Coalition of the Willing’ for Ukraine Peacekeeping
According to a spokesperson, Keir Starmer anticipates a “significant number” of nations will form his proposed “coalition of the willing.” Over the weekend, Starmer convened leaders from 26 countries via video conference to deliberate on continued European support for Ukraine, following Kyiv’s tentative agreement to a US-brokered ceasefire.
Operational Planning Underway
Military officials are scheduled to convene on Thursday to delineate and strategize the “operational phase” of the alliance’s plan to safeguard Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force, contingent upon a ceasefire. Starmer has suggested that “30 countries” could potentially contribute, though he has withheld information regarding the specific nations involved. Notably, the United States did not participate in the meeting.
Starmer stated, “The contribution capabilities will vary, but this will be a significant force, with a significant number of countries providing troops and a larger group contributing in other ways.”
Russia has consistently insisted that any ceasefire is conditional upon assurances that no NATO soldiers will be deployed to police any buffer zone between the two countries.
Potential for Escalation Considered
When questioned about the potential for escalation should Russia initiate fire on troops from a NATO ally, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister responded, “It’s worth remembering that Russia didn’t ask Ukraine when it deployed troops.” The spokesperson added, “We’ve got operational planning meetings that they are going through.”
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The spokesperson declined to confirm whether the United States would be present at Thursday’s meeting but did state that the UK is maintaining “regular discussions with our American counterparts”.
Key Considerations and Uncertainties
The composition of the peacekeeping force and the UK’s prospective troop contribution level remain uncertain.
Nicholas Drummond, a defense industry analyst and land warfare specialist, offered a critical perspective, stating, “The British Army struggled to maintain a force of 10,000 in Afghanistan, even when its total headcount exceeded 110,000.” Drummond added, “When it comes to deploying troops to Ukraine, it’s delusional to think a reduced Army of 70,000 will be better able to sustain 10,000 troops.”
On Monday evening, a White House spokesperson indicated that peace between Ukraine and Russia was closer than ever, anticipating discussions between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin on Tuesday.
Last week, the Russian leader expressed openness to a ceasefire, while reiterating that numerous questions require resolution before his country can reach an agreement.