UK, France, and Allies Announce Plans to Send 10,000 Foreign Contingent to Ukraine

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has outlined plans for a Western peacekeeping force of more than 10,000 troops for Ukraine, according to a report by The Sunday Times on March 16, citing government sources.

During a videoconference with EU and NATO leaders, Starmer reportedly secured backing from a significantly larger number of countries than the initial three that first proposed deploying ground troops. However, the UK and France expect to provide the bulk of the force.

“There will be significant forces and a substantial number of countries contributing troops to a nation that has been defending itself against Russian aggression for four years,” The Sunday Times quoted a senior British government official as saying. A larger group of nations is expected to support the mission in other ways, including logistical and intelligence assistance.

Around 35 countries have agreed to supply weapons and provide logistical and intelligence support for the initiative, according to the report. The plan aims to deter the Kremlin from launching a new invasion in the event of a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

Prime Minister Starmer confirmed that multinational peacekeeping plans are now moving into the “operational phase”.

Earlier, military representatives from more than 30 countries met in Paris on March 11 to discuss the establishment of international security forces for Ukraine. The initiative aims to deter potential Russian aggression in the event of a ceasefire.

A representative of the French military stated that the discussions would include participants from Asia and Oceania, joining remotely.