UK Urges Troop Deployment to Ukraine for Peacekeeping

Britain's defense minister has called on approximately 30 nations to advance plans for deploying troops to Ukraine to oversee any future peace agreement with Russia. The appeal occurred during the first meeting of the coalition of the willing, chaired by U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey in Brussels. Healey emphasized the necessity for coalition members to prepare for a peace agreement, noting the development of plans by 200 military planners to enhance European involvement in Ukraine. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated Ukraine's readiness for a just peace backed by strength. Despite this, the United States did not participate in the coalition gathering, and its support, particularly in airpower and military assistance, remains uncertain. The Netherlands, Sweden, and Finland stressed the importance of U.S. involvement for lasting security in Ukraine. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas indicated efforts to maintain U.S. engagement. The proposed force aims to act as a deterrent against Russian attacks, though its composition depends on the specifics of any peace agreement. Discussions are ongoing regarding the force's operational parameters, mission goals, and responses to potential escalations. Some countries, including Italy and the Netherlands, require parliamentary approval before deploying troops. Representatives from about 50 nations are scheduled to convene at NATO to bolster military support for Ukraine, co-chaired by Britain and Germany. The U.S. Defense Secretary is not expected to attend.