UK Outlines Deployment of Typhoon Jets and Troops for “Credible” Ukraine Peacekeeping Force

European allies are working to finalize military plans for a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine, despite Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s refusal to agree to a full ceasefire, Bloomberg reported on March 20.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined military chiefs in London on Thursday to advance discussions on an Anglo-French-led force that could be deployed if a truce is reached.

About 30 countries, mostly from Europe, have offered troops, aircraft, naval vessels, intelligence or funding to the so-called “Coalition of the Willing”. Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan are also participating in talks. Last week’s meeting in Paris focused on each country’s contributions; this week’s discussions are centered on operational planning and logistics.

“Our commitment to the nuclear deterrent is unshakable – it is the ultimate guarantor of our national security and the security of our NATO allies,” UK Defense Secretary John Healey stated.

The UK’s armed forces minister, Luke Pollard, said talks would cover the positioning and maintenance of key assets, including Typhoon aircraft, and how they would integrate with other allied forces. Military planners are also considering how to redeploy troops and equipment without weakening NATO’s eastern defenses.

“We want the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ to be a credible force that will allow Ukraine to enjoy a lasting peace and help Ukraine reconstitute, re-arm and deter Russia from thinking they can reconstitute and go again,” Pollard told the BBC.

Despite Putin’s recent agreement with US President Donald Trump to limit attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Russia has rejected a full ceasefire and continues to demand that the United States and its allies halt the flow of weapons and intelligence to Ukraine. The Kremlin has stated it will not accept NATO troops on Ukrainian soil.

Earlier, the European Union was confirmed to play a role in future peace negotiations on Ukraine, as the United States insists any deal must include Europe, given Russia’s push for sanctions relief.