The United Kingdom is actively preparing for the potential deployment of its armed forces to Ukraine, earmarking £200 million ($270 million USD) to fund necessary preparations. This commitment follows an announcement earlier this week that the UK would contribute troops to a multinational force, contingent upon a ceasefire agreement being reached.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reportedly agreed on a declaration of intent during the recent “Coalition of the Willing” summit. This declaration outlines the framework for a potential future deployment of allied forces.
During a visit to Kyiv on Friday, Defence Secretary John Healey stated that the allocated funds would be used to upgrade vehicles, communication systems, and drone defense capabilities. The investment aims to ensure that British forces are fully prepared for rapid deployment should the need arise.
This announcement comes shortly after Russia’s launch of a powerful hypersonic missile. European allies of Kyiv have interpreted this action as an attempt to intimidate and deter them from providing further support to Ukraine.
President Macron has indicated that France may send thousands of troops to join the multinational force in Ukraine, aiming to bolster security guarantees and reassure Kyiv. While the UK has not yet disclosed the number of troops it intends to deploy, Prime Minister Starmer stated on Wednesday that plans are still being finalized.
Russian Threats
Russia has threatened to target any military forces deployed by Ukraine’s allies within Ukrainian territory, framing such deployments as guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a ceasefire. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated on Thursday that any Western military units deployed to Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets.
Earlier this week, European allies of Ukraine announced that they had agreed on key security guarantees for Kyiv during a summit in Paris, including the potential deployment of a peacekeeping force. Moscow, in its initial response to the summit, declared that it would not accept such a deployment, accusing Kyiv and its allies of forming a “war axis.”
DZWatch will continue to provide updates on this developing situation.
