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Downing Street said on Monday that “more than 30” countries would join the coalition to help secure lasting peace in Ukraine, although UK officials admitted that many would not be ready to put boots on the ground.
Britain, France and Australia have signaled that they are ready to send troops to help carry out a ceasefire in Ukraine, but all warned that any peace can only be guaranteed if the United States secures a military “rear”.
Denmark and Sweden also said they would be ready to contribute to some form for any agreed peacekeeping operation in Ukraineincluding potential deployment of troops.
British Foreign Affairs Secretary David Lami insisted on Monday that if Russia dismisses a ceasefire, the G7 “has more cards we can play” to put pressure on President Vladimir Putin to stop the conflict.
A meeting of G7 foreign ministers last week “helped us prepare tools for Russia to negotiate seriously,” Lami told him in front of the lower house, signaling that more sanctions and seizures of frozen Russian funds are potential next steps.
“We can go further to direct their energy and defenses, further drain oil revenue and use frozen Russian assets,” Lami said.
He noted that this latest option would have to be a “multilateral venture” and emphasize the resistance from Belgium and Germany.
Lami also announced on Monday that he had held a private meeting with US Vice President JD Vans in Washington at the weekend.
Lami argues that the US interim suspension of European allies sharing intelligence and military aid with Kiev earlier this month have no “material effect” on Ukraine’s ability to fight Russia.
Military planners from countries that are joining what British Prime Minister Sir Kir Starmer has called a “coalition of ready” for peacekeeping missions in Ukraine to hold talks near London on Thursday to discuss details of operational activities.
Most of these countries are European nations, but they also include Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Starmer said Japan offered “support”.
British authorities have said that multinational force could make up to 30,000 troops, but military authorities have admitted that “lasting” peace can only be provided if it is supported by US air power and other support.
A Starter spokesman said on Monday that countries could contribute in many ways, including providing fast aircraft, engineering and logistical support and fastening to forces engaged in other theaters.
“It’s not just about troops,” the spokesman said, but added: “There would be a significant power with a significant number of countries.”
A group of EU countries, including Ireland, Luxembourg and Belgium, have not rejected participation in peacekeeping forces, depending on the agreed rules on engagement and its legal basis.
Countries that border Russia, such as Finland and Poland, were active in discussions of peacekeeping without their own strength.
These countries argue that their military forces are needed to remain defending their nations if Russia use a ceasefire to transform troops in a way that could endanger them.
Downing Street said: “The prime minister said that in order to deploy the Coalition of Troops of Villit and the UK, it must be in the context of safe and lasting peace with the necessary support from us. These discussions are ongoing. “
The fact that US President Donald Trump has refused to offer US military air cover or other support has raised major doubts about the proposed peacekeeping mission.
“No one wants to see a small number of European troops, without US support, in the layoff line in Ukraine,” one EU diplomat said. “Woulde put a huge burden on NATO unity if something happens.”
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