UK Eyes US Satellite Surveillance to Enforce Potential Ceasefire in Ukraine

Britain is hoping that the United States will provide drones and satellites to monitor the front lines in the east of Ukraine as part of a potential ceasefire agreement.

On March 17, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that American security guarantees are “vital” to the success of any peacekeeping mission. He is actively lobbying for access to US intelligence to support the peacekeeping efforts.

Diplomats believe that should the US agree to a ceasefire with Russia, a buffer zone could be established on either side of the front line.

To ensure compliance, US drones and satellites would monitor the area to prevent further escalation, according to discussions currently underway. One British source explained, “You could use US satellites to watch the front line for any breaches.”

The US military operates 247 military satellites and has thousands of commercial satellites, offering an unparalleled surveillance capacity over eastern Ukraine, which European forces would struggle to replicate.

In the lead-up to President Trump’s scheduled call with Vladimir Putin, Britain engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts to secure US security guarantees.

These are thought to include the continued deployment of American air defenses to intercept Russian ballistic and cruise missiles.

Jonathan Powell, the U.K. national security adviser, met his US counterpart, Mike Waltz, in Washington on Friday.

The UK and European Union ramped up talks on seizing billions in frozen Russian assets to support defense spending and increase economic pressure on Moscow ahead of potential peace negotiations, on March 18.

Earlier, in a parliamentary address, David Lammy the UK foreign secretary mentioned that the West still had “more cards to play” if Vladimir Putin continues to reject a ceasefire.