The UK is poised to intensify its military planning efforts to bolster Ukraine, with Downing Street affirming that it is considering all strategic options, including deploying troops.
Keir Starmer’s spokesperson indicated the necessity for thousands of troops to aid Ukraine post-ceasefire and towards concluding the conflict with Russia, through means encompassing sea, land, and air deployments.
“Operational planning will be expedited at our Northwood headquarters, focusing on the specifics and framework of any prospective forces,” he stated on Friday.
As consideration for force structures are made, attention is being directed towards identifying optimal capabilities to counter the unique threats facing Ukraine.
Not all coalition countries possess capabilities suited for Ukraine but could undertake other missions, thereby enabling different nations to focus resources on Ukraine.
Next week’s extensive UK military planning sessions will explore the possibility of redeploying British forces currently assigned elsewhere to support Ukraine, while other nations may take over the UK’s existing commitments.
Discussions are set to precede a meeting in Paris on Thursday with the “coalition of the willing”—a consortium of countries ready to support Ukraine.
Starmer recently engaged with military officials from 31 nations, including France, Poland, the Netherlands, Romania, Canada, and Australia, to strategize the coalition’s operational approach.
Following these discussions, the prime minister issued a stern warning to Vladimir Putin regarding severe repercussions should any peace agreement be violated.
Despite speculation about a shift in focus to air and sea support, a spokesperson from Number 10 clarified that ground troop deployment remains a consideration, stating, “No options are being ruled out across any fronts.”
The Financial Times reported that although Starmer is now emphasizing air and sea support, Ukraine’s own capabilities and ground forces remain robust.
Furthermore, significant logistical efforts are required for any deployment, emphasizing readiness for all potential scenarios, as highlighted by the spokesperson.
Peace talks involving Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington are scheduled in Saudi Arabia on Monday, aiming to leverage European and Commonwealth support against Russian resistance to a US- and Ukraine-endorsed agreement.
Additionally, following a discussion between Putin and US President Donald Trump, Moscow has consented to a temporary cessation of attacks on Ukrainian power facilities, although Kyiv reports continued strikes on civilian targets.
Starmer is also set to confer with non-EU nations and the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, regarding recent EU-level discussions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains optimistic about reaching a durable peace this year, following his recent dialogue with Trump, though he dismissed the idea of the US taking control of Ukrainian power facilities for security purposes.
