Defence Secretary John Healey will co-host a pivotal gathering of defence ministers in Brussels this Thursday, as part of intensified efforts by the UK and France to rally international backing for Ukraine. The high-level talks aim to bolster the so-called “coalition of the willing” – a group of about 30 nations working to deter any future Russian aggression and support Ukraine’s sovereignty in the wake of its prolonged war with Moscow.
Healey, joined by French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu, is set to lead operational discussions that may lay the groundwork for a “reassurance force” poised to support Ukraine should a peace agreement be reached. The concept, actively discussed between London and Paris, seeks to ensure that Ukraine is not left vulnerable in the event of a ceasefire or political settlement.
Speaking ahead of the talks, Mr Healey will tell ministers that history demands resolve, not complacency. “A couple of weeks ago, I visited the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters where military leaders from around 30 nations were developing options and progressing plans,” he is expected to say.
“I was struck by their sense of historic responsibility to secure the peace in Ukraine and to strengthen European security for all our nations. We cannot jeopardise the peace by forgetting about the war, so we must put even more pressure on Putin and step up our support for Ukraine – both in today’s fight and the push for peace.”
The UK and France have taken a leading role in convening this coalition, working closely with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and senior military officials in Kyiv. Last weekend, both countries’ defence chiefs were in the Ukrainian capital for joint planning sessions, underlining their strategic alignment and commitment.
The proposed reassurance force is designed not only to deter Russia from reigniting conflict but to reassure Ukraine and other Eastern European allies that the West remains steadfast. The presence of such a force, supporters argue, would serve as a credible deterrent and a symbol of Western unity, particularly as the Kremlin resists diplomatic overtures.
In a further display of multilateral coordination, Mr Healey will, on Friday, co-chair a separate session of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group alongside German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. This broader forum is expected to bring together officials from around 50 nations, reaffirming the global consensus against Russian aggression.
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Despite diplomatic overtures from Washington, the Kremlin has dismissed a recent US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, casting doubt over the near-term prospects for de-escalation. Kyiv, in contrast, has expressed willingness to comply, hoping to relieve the suffering of civilians and regroup ahead of possible renewed offensives.
Military analysts believe both sides are preparing for intensified spring and summer campaigns. The 620-mile front line remains active, with daily exchanges of artillery and long-range strikes continuing to exact a heavy toll on soldiers and civilians alike.
For now, the emphasis in Brussels remains firmly on unity and forward planning. Officials are acutely aware that any perceived lull in fighting must not be mistaken for peace. In Mr Healey’s words: “Our commitment is to put Ukraine in the strongest position to protect its sovereignty and deter future Russian aggression.”
The coalition meeting represents a defining moment for European defence cooperation, and British officials are keen to demonstrate that under the new government, the UK remains a key architect of European security.
