In an important development, leaders from 26 nations have come together to advance to an “operational phase” aimed at organizing a multinational force to enforce a ceasefire in Ukraine. This significant step was highlighted by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who emphasized the pressing need for the “guns to fall silent.”
Starmer revealed that military strategists would convene in London on Thursday to explore how a truce might be solidified through “strong security arrangements” made possible by a coalition of willing countries.
In the wake of a video conference with these predominantly European leaders over the weekend, Starmer acknowledged that the United States remains hesitant to provide a military “backstop” necessary for any sustainable peace.
“The Kremlin’s lack of decisiveness on President Trump’s ceasefire proposal, alongside its relentless assaults on Ukraine, starkly contradicts President Putin’s professed desire for peace,” Starmer stated. “An attitude of ‘Yes, but…’ is simply insufficient.”
At a press briefing on Downing Street, Starmer stressed that the coalition would “intensify sanctions” against Russia, with one potential strategy involving the confiscation of Russian assets to heighten pressure on Putin.
British officials have mentioned several nations have come forward with new offers to send troops to Ukraine to support the peace deal, though specifics were not disclosed.
“The US stance remains unchanged,” Starmer clarified regarding the potential American military support for a UK-France-led peace guarantee effort. He noted that Britain maintains regular communications with the US on this issue.
Starmer initiated what he calls a coalition of the willing at a summit in London two weeks prior, where partner nations deliberated on the varying degrees of support they might provide to Ukraine.
The call included mostly European countries, but also had Australia, Canada, and New Zealand in attendance. The EU and NATO were represented, as was Ukraine. Although Japan did not participate in the call, Starmer mentioned their offer of “support.”
Right now, only the UK and France have definitively pledged to send troops to Ukraine to help secure peace, although other countries seem open to the idea, with offers for financial or logistical help.
At their meeting, leaders committed to preparing a force that could be sent to Ukraine, pending a peace agreement, to ensure it acts as a “robust” guarantee. Discussions at the military planner level are set for Thursday in London.
“We agreed to expedite our efforts to support a possible agreement,” the British prime minister remarked, signaling a shift to an operational phase.
Starmer also noted that the nations agreed to boost both financial and military assistance for Ukraine, emphasizing that US support is crucial to ensure the operation’s success and to prevent Russia from breaching peace agreements again.
Prime Minister Starmer confirmed that the leaders are ready to intensify sanctions should Putin reject a ceasefire. Downing Street noted that over €200 billion in frozen Russian assets are on the table for potential freezing.
Number 10 admitted the complexities involved in seizing Russian assets outright, but they remain open to “exploring all lawful routes” to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine.
While countries like France and Germany, which were previously against seizing Russian assets entirely, are now considering alternative ways to leverage them in peace negotiations.
Even though Britain and France have tentatively offered to deploy troops, it’s only under the condition that an initial 30-day ceasefire holds. Other countries have shown reservations about committing troops.
During the meeting, Starmer stressed the need for the “coalition of the willing” to actively “monitor a ceasefire,” which would likely involve the use of satellites and surveillance in the early stages, rather than immediate troop deployment.
Nations such as Germany and Poland remain cautious about sending troops to Ukraine, and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has indicated that Italian ground military involvement isn’t being considered.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof announced on social media that the Netherlands intends to participate in Thursday’s meeting of military planners “within the context of security guarantees.”
The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, affirmed that the responsibility now lies with Putin. “Our support for strengthening Ukraine and its military forces will continue,” she stated.
Von der Leyen also mentioned new initiatives from Brussels to bolster Europe’s defense funding, known as ReArm Europe.
In Germany, Chancellor-to-be Friedrich Merz has come to a consensus with the nation’s mainstream parties, aiming to significantly invest in Germany’s defense sector and exclude military aid for Ukraine from stringent borrowing caps. The German parliament is slated to vote on these constitutional amendments on Tuesday.
This development was reported with additional insights provided by Amy Kazmin in Rome, Anne-Sylvaine Chassany in Berlin, and Andy Bounds alongside Henry Foy in Brussels.
