UK Offers Military Support to Protect Ukraine’s Skies and Seas, Not Front Lines
Britain will signal to Washington this week that it is ready to contribute troops to help secure Ukraine’s skies and ports, though not to fight on the front line against Russian forces.
The Gaze reports this, referring to The Guardian.
Chief of the UK Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin will meet U.S. counterparts in Washington on Wednesday to help finalize what contributions 30 partner nations are ready to make toward Ukraine’s long-term security.
Radakin is expected to reaffirm Britain’s willingness to provide personnel for training and logistical support, while ruling out deployments close to Russian forces.
Earlier discussions reportedly considered the option of sending up to 30,000 troops, but that figure has been scaled back amid opposition from some European capitals.
“Wednesday is a really important moment. Nothing happens in Washington without the president giving the green light, so Trump giving his support to security guarantees on Monday kickstarted a lot of activity,” one British official told reporters,.
Another added that Radakin will echo commitments made last week by Defence Secretary John Healey, who pledged that Britain would help secure “safe skies, safe seas, and a stronger Ukrainian military.”
Officials emphasized that London’s offer involves non-combat roles such as logistical support and air defense assistance rather than frontline battalions.
UK forces could also be tasked with helping protect Ukrainian ports, particularly in the event of a peace agreement with Moscow.
The Pentagon meetings are being closely watched in Europe as a potential step toward a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, which UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said would only be possible if Washington agrees to provide firm security guarantees.
As The Gaze reported earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington may provide air support to back a possible peace agreement in Ukraine but ruled out deploying American troops.