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The defence secretary is set to encourage nations part of the "coalition of the willing" to amplify their pressure on Russia to end its conflict in Ukraine, as initiatives for supporting peace escalate.
John Healey and French defence minister Sebastien Lecornu will lead approximately 30 defence ministers in Brussels on Thursday to discuss operational strategies for a multinational peacekeeping force in Ukraine, as part of the coalition’s efforts.
Their discussions will cover each nation’s military capabilities and how best to utilize them in support of Ukraine’s long-term defence and security, referred to by the Ministry of Defence as a “reassurance force”.
UK and French military leaders previously discussed plans with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his military chiefs in Kyiv last weekend.
Although peace negotiations continue between the US and Russia, US officials are showing growing impatience due to the lack of progress, following Donald Trump’s public suggestion that Vladimir Putin seeks to end the war.
Find out more: Who’s part of the coalition of the willing?
Leaders of nations in the coalition of the willing at a summit in Paris on 27 March. Pic: AP
Recently, the Kremlin dismissed the current form of the latest US peace proposal, stating it does not address the “root causes” of the conflict.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin aims to dissolve Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty, demanding recognition of Moscow’s annexation of Crimea and other partially occupied regions, withdrawal of Ukrainian forces, and a pledge for Ukraine to never join NATO and to demilitarize.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Friday that the US will not “fall into the trap of endless negotiations” with Moscow.
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Despite the standstill in negotiations, the coalition of the willing, excluding the US, is moving forward with its plans for the post-peace scenario.
Mr Healey is expected to tell fellow defence ministers: “We must not let down our guard regarding the war while pursuing peace. Therefore, we must intensify our pressure on Putin and bolster our support for Ukraine – both in the ongoing conflict and our efforts towards lasting peace.
“Our commitment is to strengthen Ukraine’s sovereignty and deter future aggression by Russia.”
The defence secretary and his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, will also chair the 27th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Friday, continuing efforts to support Ukraine with military resources in its conflict with Russia.
