UK Drops Plan for 30,000 Peacekeepers in Ukraine, Vows Tougher Sanctions on Russia

The UK has decided to abandon plans to deploy a 30,000-strong peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine, while confirming its readiness to impose tough sanctions to put pressure on Russia and facilitate a future peace agreement.

The Gaze reports on it, referring to The Mirror of the Week, citing The Times.

After an online meeting with Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and EU leaders, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that London, together with its European partners, had developed detailed plans to deploy so-called “stabilization forces” in Ukraine after the conclusion of a ceasefire agreement.

At the same time, according to The Times, the British military leadership abandoned the initial idea of sending a 30,000-strong contingent, proposing a more realistic format for the mission involving airspace patrols, training Ukrainian military personnel, and demining the Black Sea.

Despite private concerns about possible agreements between Trump and Zelenskyy, Starmer and other European leaders have publicly expressed their support for his initiative. It is reported that European countries are ready to support the peace process through plans to deploy security forces after the cessation of hostilities, although it is assumed that the contingent will not participate on the front lines. 

The Coalition of the Willing also plans to train Ukrainian military personnel, provide logistical and expert support, patrol the airspace with Typhoon and F-35 aircraft to deter attacks and restore air traffic, and clear mines from the Black Sea to ensure safe passage for ships.

The Gaze previously informed that the European leaders, including Merz, Macron, and Starmer, held an online meeting of the Coalition of the Willing to coordinate support for Ukraine, stressing diplomacy, a ceasefire, security guarantees, and sanctions on Russia.