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Downing Street said Monday that he was expecting “more than 30” countries to join a coalition to help secure a lasting peace in Ukraine, although United Kingdom officials admitted that many would not be ready to place boots on the ground.
Britain, France and Australia have signaled that they are ready to send troops to help implement a ceasefire in Ukraine, but everyone has warned that any peace could only be guaranteed if the US provided a military “background”.
Denmark and Sweden have also said they would be willing to contribute forces in some form to any peacekeeping operation agreed in Ukraine, including possible troops.
UK secretary David Lammy on Monday insisted that if Russia throws a ceasefire, the G7 “has more cards we can play” to accumulate pressure on President Vladimir Putin to stop the conflict.
A meeting of G7 Foreign Ministers last week “helped us prepare funds to take Russia to negotiate seriously,” Lammy told the Municipal House, signaling that more sanctions and a seizure of frozen Russian financial assets are possible next steps.
“We can go further to aim for their energy and protection sectors, squeeze their oil revenue and use Russian frozen assets,” Lammy said.
He stressed that this last opportunity would have to be a “multilateral effort” and emphasized resistance from Belgium and Germany.
Lammy also announced Monday that he held a private meeting with US Vice President JD Vance in Washington at the weekend.
Lammy claimed that a US temporary suspension for European allies sharing intelligence and military assistance with KYIV earlier this month did not have a “material effect” in Ukraine’s ability to fight Russia.
Military planners from countries joining what UK Prime Minister Sir Starmer has called “a coalition of will” for peacekeeping in Ukraine will hold talks near London on Thursday to discuss operational details.
Most of these countries are European nations, but they also include Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Starmer said Japan has offered “Support”.
British officials have said a multinational force could make up to 30,000 troops, but military officials admitted that a “stable” peace could only be provided if it is supported by US air force and other support.
Starmer’s spokesman said on Monday that countries could contribute in many ways, including providing fast planes, engineering and logistical support and returning for forces engaged in other theaters.
“It’s not just about the bodies,” the spokesman said, but added: “There would be considerable force with a considerable number of places.”
A group of EU countries including Ireland, Luxembourg and Belgium have not excluded to participate in a peacekeeping force, depending on the rules of agreed and its legal basis.
Countries restricting Russia such as Finland and Poland have been active in discussions of a peacekeeping presence without any of their forces.
These countries have argued that their military are required to remain to protect their nations if Russia uses a ceasefire to redefine troops in a way that can threaten them.
Downing Street said: “The prime minister has said that for the coalition of ready -made troops and the United Kingdom to settle, it must be in the context of a safe and sustained peace with the support of the US. These discussions are continuing.”
The fact that US President Donald Trump has refused to offer US military air cover or other support has raised great doubts about the proposed peacekeeping mission.
“No one wants to see a small number of European troops, without American support, on the line of firing in Ukraine,” said an EU diplomat. “There would be a big strain on the unity of NATO if something happens.”
