Britain launches 70-member command unit for Ukraine mission

Britain has established a dedicated command headquarters to prepare for the possible deployment of its troops to Ukraine as part of a future multinational mission, the UK government announced on February 24.

According to an official statement, a 70-person headquarters has already been formed within the framework of plans to create a Multinational Force for Ukraine. The structure is intended to coordinate preparations for the deployment of British forces once conditions for peace are secured. The initiative is backed by £200 million in government funding.

The announcement came as London stepped up its support for Kyiv on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The British government said Ukraine’s defence is directly linked to the security of both the United Kingdom and Europe, stressing that continued assistance strengthens regional stability.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer was scheduled to lead a meeting of the “coalition of the willing” alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, following a joint declaration made in January with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlining Britain’s intention to deploy troops to Ukraine after a peace settlement is reached.

At the same time, the Foreign Secretary travelled to Kyiv to attend official commemorations marking the anniversary of the invasion and was expected to condemn what the UK described as “Russification” policies in territories temporarily occupied in eastern Ukraine. According to the statement, civilians there are reportedly being forced to accept Russian passports, the Ukrainian language is restricted, access to Ukrainian media is blocked, and individuals face arrest for expressions of pro-Ukrainian views.

Defence Secretary John Healey, meanwhile, visited the Ukrainian Cathedral in London, where he met members of the Ukrainian community who relocated to Britain after the invasion. Together with Bishop Nowakowski and Ukraine’s ambassador, he lit a candle in memory of those killed during the war.

In a message released alongside the announcement, Starmer reaffirmed Britain’s long-term commitment to Ukraine.

“On this grim anniversary, our message to the Ukrainian people is simple: Britain is with you, stronger than ever,” he said, adding that the conflict remains “the most critical issue of our age.” He stressed that Russia would not win the war and praised Ukraine’s resistance as a defence of shared European values, pledging continued support until a just and lasting peace — and beyond.

The newly announced assistance package includes multiple components. London allocated £20 million in additional emergency energy funding aimed at repairing and protecting Ukraine’s power grid and expanding electricity generation capacity following winter attacks. With this contribution, total UK support for Ukraine’s energy sector since the start of the war exceeds £490 million.

Another £5.7 million will fund humanitarian aid for frontline communities, evacuees, and people affected by airstrikes or displacement. The United Nations and partner organisations are targeting assistance for 4.1 million people facing the most severe conditions, while Britain was the largest contributor to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund in 2025.

The package also expands military and medical cooperation. British military surgeons, nurses, and physiotherapists are mentoring Ukrainian medical personnel inside Ukraine, assisting with complex battlefield trauma care and rehabilitation aimed at helping wounded service members return either to duty or civilian life.

In addition, Ukrainian pilots are undergoing training at a UK air base to become helicopter flight instructors — the first time Britain has provided rotary-wing instructor training to Ukraine. Graduates are expected to train future Ukrainian military aviators, strengthening the country’s long-term defence and deterrence capabilities.

By Tamilla Hasanova