LONDON: The UK authorities mentioned on Monday (Mar 17) {that a} “vital quantity” of countries would supply troops to protect any ceasefire in Ukraine as a part of a so-called coalition of the prepared.
Britain expects “greater than 30 international locations” to contribute to the group in some type, 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 are actually the operational discussions which might be ongoing in relation to what the coalition of prepared will have the ability to present,” the spokesman mentioned.
“We’re anticipating greater than 30 international locations to be concerned. Clearly the contribution capabilities will differ, however this can be a big pressure, with a big 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 battle.
They are saying the group is critical – together with US assist – to supply Ukraine with safety ensures and deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from violating any ceasefire.
Starmer and Macron have mentioned they’re prepared to place British and French troops on the bottom in Ukraine, however it’s not 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 section”.
Dozens of navy chiefs are resulting from meet within the UK on Thursday to take these discussions ahead.
Starmer has mentioned he welcomes any supply of assist for the coalition, elevating the prospect that some international locations might contribute logistics or surveillance.
His spokesman on Monday highlighted engineering assist, the usage of airfields and the housing of crews as areas the place contributions might be made.
