In a significant diplomatic engagement, UK and European leaders have found themselves at odds with Russia regarding the framework of a proposed peace deal for Ukraine. Moscow has raised concerns, asserting that the involvement of a multinational peacekeeping force could inadvertently escalate tensions and draw NATO forces into the ongoing conflict.
The UK organized the inaugural meeting of a prospective “coalition of the willing” on Wednesday, bringing together officials from over 20 nations. This gathering primarily consisted of representatives from European and Commonwealth countries, all of whom expressed their commitment to the initiative. Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Labour leader, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, has passionately advocated for nations to step forward and contribute to the coalition, emphasizing the need for “boots on the ground and planes in the air” to safeguard any future peace agreement.
According to The i Paper, the participating nations included those from the recent Lancaster House summit, as well as the Baltic States, Australia, and New Zealand. A spokesperson from Number 10 stated, “We welcome engagement from any country that wishes to be part of the coalition of the willing.” While not every nation involved will necessarily contribute military personnel, many are prepared to support peacekeeping efforts through logistical and intelligence assistance.
Significance of the Coalition Meeting
British officials view this coalition meeting as a crucial advancement in the effort to uphold any future peace deal. However, the plans have drawn sharp criticism from Moscow. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that Russia would not endorse any peace agreement that included a peacekeeping contingent, labeling it as “the direct, official and unveiled involvement of NATO members in the war against Russia” and asserting that such actions “can’t be allowed.”
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of ensuring that “if there is a deal, and we don’t know there will be, we must defend the deal.” He emphasized that Europe needs to bolster its own defense and security mechanisms, stating that “the United Kingdom will play a leading part because we’ve always stepped up when it is required.” Starmer reiterated this commitment, indicating that collaboration with the United States is essential.
Simultaneously, discussions are underway between UK and US officials regarding the potential framework of a security guarantee that could be established in the event of a signed peace agreement. Downing Street revealed that talks between the two nations are ongoing and conducted “frequently,” highlighting that “the pace and dynamic of how things are unfolding necessitates that.”
Potential Military Support for Ukraine
In a related development, No 10 did not dismiss the possibility of UK fighter jets participating in a European air force designed to patrol the skies over western Ukraine against Russian assaults. Reports indicate that a fleet of 120 fighter jets could be deployed under the European Sky Shield program, aimed at safeguarding Kyiv and critical nuclear facilities without further escalating tensions with Russia.
The European Sky Shield initiative was initially proposed in 2022 in response to Russia’s systematic targeting of Ukrainian infrastructure, with a focus primarily on ground-based defense systems. When questioned about the UK’s willingness to commit its own jets to this plan, officials at Number 10 refrained from making any definitive operational commitments. However, the Prime Minister’s deputy official spokesman stated, “We’ll do whatever it takes to support Ukraine and put it in the strongest possible position.”
These developments come as the Ministry of Defence has entered into an agreement with an Anglo-American security firm to supply Ukraine with advanced attack drones, further reinforcing the need for support as Starmer emphasized the urgency of aiding President Volodymyr Zelensky’s forces in their ongoing battle.
The Prime Minister remarked, “The fighting is ongoing, and it’s a significant miscalculation to believe that we can simply wait for a deal to materialize. We must ensure that if they continue to fight, they are in the strongest possible position, and even as negotiations approach, they must retain that strength.”
