Efforts to establish a European-led peacekeeping force in Ukraine will continue, despite limited progress in securing a ceasefire agreement. Military leaders from the “coalition of the willing” are set to hold further discussions at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood this week, as operational planning moves forward.
The renewed commitment follows a high-level meeting in London between the heads of the British and French armed forces, where discussions centred on strengthening Europe’s military response to the conflict.
Military leaders push for greater cooperation
During Monday’s meeting in London, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the UK Defence Staff, and his French counterpart, General Thierry Burkhard, reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to Ukraine.
Admiral Radakin highlighted the importance of British and French leadership in European security, stating:
“Europe’s two leading nuclear powers are stepping up to forge a stronger and deeper partnership that has a vital foundational role to play in the security of the continent.
Today’s deliberations will help shape the future of British and French military cooperation, and our shared efforts to support Ukraine with military aid now and after any peace deal.”
However, progress towards a ceasefire remains slow, with the latest diplomatic talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, failing to produce any major breakthroughs.
US and Ukraine seek partial ceasefire
While European military leaders continue peacekeeping preparations, diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire have stalled.
US officials have been engaged in separate negotiations with both Ukrainian and Russian representatives, attempting to broker a partial ceasefire agreement. However, Moscow has rejected a US-Ukraine proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, leaving discussions at a standstill.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Monday evening that further talks with US negotiators were expected, but he did not specify when. No agreement has yet been announced, casting doubt over the immediate prospects for peace.
Downing street dismisses US criticism of UK’s peacekeeping plans
As discussions continue, Number 10 has sought to downplay remarks made by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who dismissed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s plans for an international peacekeeping force in Ukraine as “a posture and a pose.”
Speaking in an interview with US journalist Tucker Carlson, Mr Witkoff criticised European leaders, suggesting their stance on Ukraine was driven by an overly simplistic view of history and a desire to emulate Winston Churchill.
When asked whether Sir Keir was concerned by Mr Witkoff’s comments, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman dismissed the remarks, reiterating the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s security.
“No, the PM has repeatedly said that a lasting peace in Ukraine can only be achieved if we provide real and credible security assurances to deter Putin.
And the coalition of the willing is a group of nations politically aligned to the defence, security and sovereignty of Ukraine… if there is a deal, it’s a deal that has to be defended.”
Europe prepares for post-war security commitments
Despite the lack of diplomatic progress, European leaders remain focused on long-term security measures for Ukraine. The planned peacekeeping force is expected to play a crucial role in stabilising the region, once a ceasefire or peace agreement is in place.
More Read
The UK and France have both pledged continued military aid to Ukraine and are exploring post-war security guarantees that could deter further Russian aggression.
However, questions remain over how such a force would be structured, and whether it would operate under NATO, the European Union, or as an independent coalition. Some analysts have warned that without a clear legal mandate, an international force could risk escalating tensions rather than preventing future conflict.
The road ahead
As Ukraine approaches two and a half years of war, the prospect of peace remains uncertain. While military planners push ahead with peacekeeping preparations, the lack of a formal ceasefire agreement complicates efforts to lay the groundwork for a lasting resolution.
With diplomatic efforts at a standstill and Russian forces continuing their offensive, the question remains: will peacekeeping plans move from the discussion table to the battlefield, or will they remain a hypothetical solution to an ongoing war?
For now, European leaders are preparing for all possibilities, determined to ensure that any future peace agreement is backed by credible security guarantees—even if negotiations continue to falter.
