UK Leads Coalition Planning for Ukraine Peacekeeping
LONDON, United Kingdom - 20 March 2025
On 20 March 2025, the United Kingdom hosted senior military leaders from over 30 countries at the Northwood Headquarters in London to advance plans for an international peacekeeping force in Ukraine. This initiative, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aims to prepare for enforcing any future peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.
The coalition, referred to as the "coalition of the willing," is focused on ensuring the sovereignty and security of Ukraine in any lasting peace agreement. This effort includes maintaining military aid to Ukraine and increasing economic pressure on Russia.
The Northwood meeting marked a transition from conceptual discussions to operational planning. Military leaders examined various scenarios, including land, sea, air, and border security, to ensure a comprehensive approach to peacekeeping.
The coalition includes European and Commonwealth nations, with countries like Australia, Canada, and Finland expressing openness to contribute. However, Russia has opposed the deployment of NATO troops on Ukrainian soil, complicating the coalition's composition.
Domestically, the UK's involvement has sparked political debate. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch emphasised caution, stating that the UK should "ideally... not be having any boots on the ground" in Ukraine. She called for parliamentary approval before any deployment, highlighting concerns about potential direct conflict with Russia.
Further planning sessions are scheduled to refine the coalition's structure and operational details. A subsequent meeting in Paris on 27 March 2025 aims to finalise the coalition's design and deployment strategies to ensure a lasting ceasefire in Ukraine.
Image: Number 10/Flickr
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