The United Kingdom is hosting a high-level meeting of senior military leaders from over 20 countries to discuss plans for a proposed peacekeeping force in Ukraine.
The meeting, held at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, aims to move plans for the Western-led force to an operational phase.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to attend the meeting, which includes representatives from countries part of the “coalition of the willing”. The group is led by Britain and France, and aims to establish a credible force to support Ukraine.
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard emphasized the importance of the coalition, stating that it would allow Ukraine to “enjoy a lasting peace” and “reconstitute and rearm”. Pollard warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s plans for Ukraine are a threat not only to the region but also to European security.
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The proposed peacekeeping force is expected to have a strong air and maritime component, with some troops on the ground. However, the plan faces significant obstacles, including Russia’s opposition to any NATO member troops in Ukraine.
The United States has also expressed reluctance to provide air cover for the proposed force, citing concerns about escalating the conflict. Despite these challenges, the UK and its allies remain committed to supporting Ukraine and establishing a lasting peace.
The meeting comes as Prime Minister Starmer visits Barrow, where he will lay the keel of one of Britain’s next-generation nuclear-armed submarines. The visit highlights the UK’s commitment to its nuclear deterrent and its role in maintaining European security.
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Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the government’s “unshakeable” commitment to the UK’s nuclear deterrent, calling it “the ultimate guarantor of our national security and the security of our NATO allies”.
