Ground troops to keep the peace in Ukraine will come from “a significant number” of countries, Downing Street has revealed. Defence chiefs from more than 30 nations will hold talks on Thursday to continue preparations for a “coalition of the willing” that will send forces to Ukraine if the Russian invasion can be brought to an end.
The UK and France are set to provide ground troops but Number 10 suggested that more countries will also send personnel. A spokesman for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “More than 30 countries will be involved. The contribution, capacities will vary. But this will be a significant force with a significant number of countries providing troops and other countries contributing in other ways.”
Examples of other support could include providing air bases in nearby countries for planes operating in Ukraine, Number 10 said.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the coalition would “ensure Russia does not come back for more.”
He said Russia had agreed previously to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty including the Minsk agreement in 2014, but these were “paper promises betrayed by Putin”.
Mr Lammy said: “Together with France we are establishing a coalition wiling to deter Russia from invading again. To be credible it will need US support. But Britain and our allies know we must step up.”
Downing Street is refusing to confirm how many ground troops could be sent but the number is thought to be between 10,000 and 30,000. The Prime Minister’s spokesman also refused to be drawn on the rules of engagement for British troops, which would determine if and when they are expected to fight to defend Ukraine if Russia does launch another invasion.
However the UK insisted dictator Vladimir Putin would not be allowed to veto the plan.
Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has said that the presence of troops from NATO countries, which would include the UK and France, is “unacceptable” whether or not they are officially part of a NATO operation.
But referring to North Korea sending thousands of troops to bolster Russian invasion forces, the Prime Minister’s spokesman said: “Russia didn’t ask Ukraine when it deployed North Korean troops to the frontline last year.”
Kyiv says more than 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured in the fighting. South Korea has said it will accept any prisoners who wish to go there.
Number 10 also confirmed that the UK still believes that the coalition will require US military support.
It follows a video call led by Sir Keir on Saturday which included European leaders and the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand. However Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed that Italy is unlikely to join the coalition despite taking part in the call.
Sir Keir last night discussed the situation in Ukraine with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of England, when the pair met in 10 Downing Street yesterday.
Mr Carney then met the King, who is also King of Canada. It comes amid Donald Trump’s threats to make Canada the 51st state of America.