LONDON: The UK authorities mentioned on Monday (Mar 17) {that a} “vital quantity” of countries would offer troops to protect any ceasefire in Ukraine as a part of a so-called coalition of the keen.
Britain expects “greater than 30 international locations” to contribute to the group in some kind, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesman advised reporters.
“The prime minister mentioned over the weekend, there’s going to be completely different capabilities from completely different international locations, however these at the moment are the operational discussions which might be ongoing in relation to what the coalition of keen will be capable of present,” the spokesman mentioned.
“We’re anticipating greater than 30 international locations to be concerned. Clearly the contribution capabilities will differ, however this will likely be a major drive, with a major variety of international locations offering troops and a bigger group contributing in different methods,” he added.
Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have been leading efforts to establish the coalition since US President Donald Trump opened direct negotiations with Russia final month to finish the conflict.
They are saying the group is critical – together with US help – to supply Ukraine with safety ensures and deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from violating any ceasefire.
Starmer and Macron have mentioned they’re keen to place British and French troops on the bottom in Ukraine, however it isn’t clear what number of different international locations are eager on doing the identical.
The British premier advised a digital name of round 26 fellow leaders and the heads of the European Union and NATO on Saturday that the plan would now transfer into an “operational part”.
Dozens of army chiefs are as a consequence of meet within the UK on Thursday to take these discussions ahead.
Starmer has mentioned he welcomes any supply of help for the coalition, elevating the prospect that some international locations may contribute logistics or surveillance.
His spokesman on Monday highlighted engineering help, the usage of airfields and the housing of crews as areas the place contributions may very well be made.
