The United Kingdom plays host to military leaders from over 30 countries, intent on discussing the scope and scale of a mission to enforce a ceasefire in Ukraine, as reported to Al Jazeera by military insiders. The meeting follows UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement that a “coalition of the willing” will draft a peace plan for Ukraine, a country whose aid from the United States has been uncertain under President Donald Trump.
Discussions are serious, focusing on the resources required and what contributions countries can make, according to a senior military source, speaking anonymously. The goal is for a “maximalist approach” in the hope that the United States will provide logistical support. Enablers such as transportation and air missile defense, areas where Europe still lags, are considered crucial.
Establishing a peacekeeping force in Ukraine might demand tens of thousands of troops to position between the Ukrainian army and Russian forces, potentially with U.S. support limited to a non-combat role. Trump has urged Europe to take the lead in securing Ukraine, stating his reluctance to extend extensive security guarantees.
The task at hand appears to extend beyond the “Ceasefire Toolkit” proposal, which envisioned 5,000 police and 10,000 military personnel to secure a 3-mile-wide buffer zone, contingent on Russian cooperation. The volunteer countries are predominantly from the European Union, though there is also interest from non-EU nations and Asia Pacific countries.
Key consensus seems to revolve around the necessity of a ceasefire before any force deployment. European involvement has historical precedent, with the UK and France leading efforts, though their recent track records in overseas operations have been mixed.
General Ben Hodges, a former commander of U.S. forces in Europe, stresses the need for the force to have “real deterrent capabilities.” However, details regarding operational authority remain unresolved among contributing nations.
Russia has expressed hostility towards the concept, viewing it provocative towards Ukraine. Debate also lingers on how and where the force should be stationed, with safety concerns and the potential for diminished initial effectiveness if placed behind Ukrainian lines.
Critics question Europe’s commitment to military engagements, pointing towards historical hesitance and modest increases in defense spending. Despite this skepticism, the potential for significant
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/17/military-chiefs-to-thrash-out-ukraine-peacekeeping-proposal-amid-russia-war?traffic_source=rss
