US backs European coalition in Ukraine ceasefire plan
The United States, in informal discussions, has announced its willingness to support a coalition of European forces that could be deployed in Ukraine after a ceasefire is achieved. This represents a significant breakthrough following months of efforts by the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
What do you need to know?
- The USA has declared support for the "coalition of the willing", offering security guarantees for European forces that may be deployed in Ukraine after a ceasefire is reached.
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been persuading Donald Trump for two months for such guarantees, marking a significant breakthrough in the discussions.
- Britain is considering withdrawing plans to send thousands of troops to Ukraine, focusing instead on rebuilding and rearming the Ukrainian army.
The Trump administration has privately indicated its willingness to provide support to a proposed European-led peacekeeping force in Ukraine– reported the British "Telegraph" on Friday evening.
"Coalition of the willing": What about guarantees from the USA?
US representatives have also indicated openness to support European soldiers with intelligence and logistical help, so they can assist in maintaining the peace agreement from land, air, and sea.
According to the "Telegraph," this is a noteworthy development since British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been working for two months to convince Donald Trump to provide such guarantees. However, it remains unclear whether the United States would decide on direct intervention if Russian forces attacked Western soldiers despite the agreed ceasefire.
On Saturday, Starmer, Trump, and French President Emmanuel Macron are scheduled to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome. It is possible that informal talks regarding the situation in Ukraine could occur during this meeting.
In public statements, Trump has repeatedly dismissed calls for direct security guarantees, arguing that the mere presence of Americans in Ukraine – due to access to resources – would deter Russia from aggression.
Is the UK not sending troops to Ukraine after all?
Meanwhile, as reported by the "Times," the UK may abandon plans to send thousands of ground troops to Ukraine, deeming it too risky due to potential conflict escalation. France might also consider a similar move.
Instead of direct military involvement, London is expected to focus on supporting the rebuilding and rearming of the Ukrainian army and providing air and sea protection assistance. The "Times" noted that decisions on this matter have not yet been finalised, and the British Ministry of Defence still officially maintains the plan to deploy troops.
The "coalition of the willing," initiated by the British Prime Minister, aims to create a comprehensive support system for Ukraine – both in terms of access to weapons and efforts to end the war. The coalition includes 33 countries, primarily European ones, as well as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Turkey.
