Military leaders from Western nations are set to gather in London this week to discuss plans for a potential peacekeeping operation in Ukraine, as former US President Donald Trump prepares to speak with Vladimir Putin amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
The call, announced by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, comes as diplomatic efforts to establish a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine continue to stall. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accepted the proposed unconditional ceasefire, the Russian president has insisted that Ukraine must renounce its ambitions of joining NATO and cede territory to Russia before any pause in hostilities can take effect.
Starmer and Macron condemn Putin’s approach
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has accused Mr Putin of attempting to “delay” peace efforts, arguing that the Kremlin is using negotiations as a stalling tactic while continuing military operations. French President Emmanuel Macron has also expressed scepticism over Russia’s intentions, stating that Mr Putin “does not seem to be sincerely seeking peace.”
However, Mr Witkoff sought to strike a more optimistic tone on Sunday, suggesting that Mr Putin’s willingness to engage in talks with Mr Trump represented “positive momentum.” He further claimed that the Russian leader was making “a constructive effort” in negotiations, despite Western scepticism over his true intentions.
Military chiefs to discuss peacekeeping plans
Meanwhile, military leaders from the so-called “coalition of the willing” – a group of nations supporting Ukraine, convened by Sir Keir and President Macron – will meet in London on Thursday to discuss the framework for a Western peacekeeping force. This force would be deployed in Ukraine if a ceasefire agreement is reached, with the aim of maintaining stability and deterring further Russian aggression.
Sir Keir confirmed that following a virtual meeting on Saturday, which included leaders from 26 nations as well as representatives from the European Union and NATO, planning for the operation would now move into an “operational phase.” He also stated that new commitments had been made, although the details remain unclear.
Despite this apparent progress, questions persist over which countries are willing to commit troops to a peacekeeping mission. Some nations have privately expressed concerns that the discussions are premature, given the ongoing fighting and the lack of a formal ceasefire agreement. Furthermore, Mr Putin is widely expected to oppose any arrangement that involves European or NATO troops being stationed in Ukraine, viewing such a move as a direct challenge to Russian security interests.
For Ukraine, however, the presence of Western peacekeeping forces is seen as vital to ensuring that any ceasefire holds and that Russia does not resume hostilities once international attention wanes. President Zelensky has repeatedly called for stronger Western security guarantees, arguing that Ukraine cannot trust Moscow to honour any agreement without external enforcement.
More Read
Conflict escalates as talks continue
While diplomatic negotiations continue, fighting on the ground remains intense. Ukrainian forces are reportedly facing increasing pressure in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russian troops have launched fresh offensives. Part of Donetsk has been under Russian control since 2014, and the area remains a key battleground in the war.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian troops have also been retreating from the Kursk region of Russia, which they briefly occupied in a surprise cross-border raid in August. The operation was widely seen as an attempt to secure leverage in future negotiations, but recent reports suggest that Ukrainian forces are now struggling to maintain their position there.
As the conflict rages on, the upcoming talks between Mr Trump and Mr Putin are likely to be closely scrutinised for any signs of a breakthrough. While Mr Trump has not held an official role in the US government since leaving office in 2021, his relationship with Mr Putin and his influence within the Republican Party mean that his involvement in discussions could carry significant weight.
With Western military leaders preparing for the possibility of a peacekeeping mission and Ukraine continuing to fight on multiple fronts, the coming days may prove pivotal in shaping the next phase of the war. However, whether diplomatic efforts can succeed in bringing about a lasting peace remains deeply uncertain.
