Downing Street revealed on Monday that over 30 nations will be joining a coalition to help achieve enduring peace in Ukraine. British officials, however, recognized that several of the participating countries may not be sending troops for deployment on the ground.
Britain, France, and Australia Ready to Contribute
The United Kingdom, France, and Australia have been keen to dispatch forces to assist in enforcing a ceasefire in Ukraine. These countries have, however, made it clear that for lasting peace arrangements to be put in place, the United States must provide a military “backstop.”
Denmark and Sweden also signaled they wanted to participate in the envisioned peacekeeping mission and potentially send troops.
Military Commanders to Meet in London
The military delegations of the participating countries will gather near London on Thursday to debate operational tactics. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the group a “coalition of the willing.” British government officials project that the force would be made up of as many as 30,000 soldiers, although military observers point out that lasting stability in Ukraine would be based on US air capabilities and logistics.
The contribution capacities will differ, but this will be a big force, with many countries contributing troops,” a spokesperson said.
Russia Resists NATO Troops in Ukraine
Moscow has long resisted the notion of NATO-allied troops in Ukraine. When asked if peacekeeping troops could respond if fired upon, a UK spokesperson said military planners were still in the process of sorting out rules of engagement.
Starmer had a virtual summit on Saturday with global and European leaders to muster support for the coalition before the military planning meeting in London.
Responding to Russia’s complaints, the spokesperson of Starmer said, “It is worth recalling that Russia did not invite Ukraine when it sent North Korean fighters to the frontline last year.”
UK and France Look for US Security Pledges
Britain and France are still urging the United States to provide security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression. But Washington’s precise role in the move is unclear.
