‘Significant number’ of nations to provide troops to Ukraine coalition: UK

The UK said it expects “more than 30 countries” to join a Ukraine peacekeeping group despite risking the ire of Vladimir Putin, who meets with Donald Trump tomorrow.

The UK government said that a “significant number” of nations would provide troops to protect any ceasefire in Ukraine reached jointly by US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin as part of a so-called coalition of the willing.

Britain expects “more than 30 countries” to contribute to the group in some form, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesman told reporters.

“The prime minister said over the weekend, there’s going to be different capabilities from different countries, but these are now the operational discussions that are ongoing in relation to what the coalition of willing will be able to provide,” the spokesman said.

“We’re expecting more than 30 countries to be involved. Obviously the contribution capabilities will vary, but this will be a significant force, with a significant number of countries providing troops and a larger group contributing in other ways,” he added.

(L-R) Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and France's President Emmanuel Macron embrace after a meeting in central London. Picture: AFP

Sir Keir and French President Emmanuel Macron have been leading efforts to establish the coalition since US President Donald Trump opened direct negotiations with Russia last month to end the war.

They say the group is necessary - along with US support - to provide Ukraine with security guarantees and deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from violating any ceasefire.

Sir Keir and Mr Macron have said they are willing to put British and French troops on the ground in Ukraine, but it is not clear how many other countries are keen on doing the same.

The British premier told a virtual call of around 26 fellow leaders and the heads of the European Union and NATO on Saturday that the plan would now move into an “operational phase”.

Dozens of military chiefs are due to meet in the UK on Thursday to take those discussions forward.

Sir Keir has said he welcomes any offer of support for the coalition, raising the prospect that some countries could contribute logistics or surveillance.

His spokesman on Monday highlighted engineering support, the use of airfields and the housing of crews as areas where contributions could be made.

ALBO’S VOW IN UKRAINE CEASEFIRE MEETING

Previously, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined a “coalition of the willing” virtual meeting hosted by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and leaders from Europe, Canada and New Zealand.

Mr Albanese reiterated Australia’s strong and steadfast support for Ukraine and restated that Australia will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

The leaders agreed to continue working on delivering concrete actions to support Ukraine now and into the future — at a time when US President Donald Trump has taken an increasingly pro-Russian position.

“Australia stands with Ukraine and we will continue to do so for as long as it takes,” Mr Albanese said.

“It is the right thing to do and it is in Australia’s national interest.

“Because what happens in the Euro-Atlantic has serious implications for our region – the Indo-Pacific – and vice versa.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined the call. Picture: NewsWire/Philip Gostelow

In a thinly veiled swipe at Mr Trump’s anti-Ukraine rhetoric — which has included accusations that Ukraine does not want peace — Mr Albanese said the nations must ensure that Russia is not rewarded in any upcoming peace deals.

“We must ensure Russia’s illegal and immoral actions are not rewarded through any peace process,” he said.

“Australia supports all meaningful progress towards a just and enduring peace in Ukraine and for broader security in Europe.

“But pressure will need to be applied on Russia to engage in good faith.”

The PM once again left the door open for Australian troops to be on the ground in Ukraine if a ceasefire is struck.

“Australia is open to considering any requests to contribute to a future peacekeeping effort in support of the just and lasting peace we all want for Ukraine he said.

“Of course, peacekeeping missions by definition require a precondition of peace.”

Originally published as ‘Significant number’ of nations to provide troops to Ukraine coalition: UK