Credited from: SCMP
In a significant development for peacekeeping initiatives in Ukraine, the UK government announced that a "significant number" of nations are poised to contribute troops to the so-called “coalition of the willing,” aimed at enforcing a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Russia. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesperson stated that over 30 countries are expected to play a role in this coalition, reflecting a robust international commitment to assist Ukraine amid a complex geopolitical crisis.
The announcement comes as Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron lead efforts to galvanize support for Ukraine, particularly after US President Donald Trump initiated direct negotiations with Russia concerning a potential peace deal. "Different capabilities will be at the table," the spokesperson noted, emphasizing that the operational discussions are currently underway to determine the precise contributions from various nations.
Reports indicate that the coalition's military support could span from logistical aid to actual troop deployments, positioning the member countries to respond effectively to any breaches in peace agreed upon between Kyiv and Moscow. Military chiefs are scheduled to meet in the UK to evaluate how to sustain a ceasefire if negotiations proceed, as Starmer urged fellow leaders to unify their efforts to enhance Ukraine's security measures. He reported that nations such as Turkey and several EU member states will likely play key roles alongside the UK and France in the operational phase
Starmer remarked that the coalition’s vision includes a diverse array of support mechanisms, such as engineering support, the use of airfields, and logistics for housing military crews. “If Russia finally comes to the table,” Starmer stated, “then we must be ready to monitor a ceasefire to ensure it is a serious and enduring peace.” The UK government’s stance remains steadfast in enhancing Ukraine’s defenses to deter any potential future aggression from Russia as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed clear opposition to the notion of international peacekeepers on Ukrainian soil.
The international community continues to remain vigilant, understanding that a stable Europe holds implications beyond its borders, potentially affecting geopolitical dynamics worldwide.
For more information, visit the original sources: SCMP, Al Jazeera, Reuters, Channel News Asia.