British troops could defend Ukrainian airspace and ports, Pentagon meetings confirm

The United Kingdom has signalled it is ready to send troops to assist in defending Ukraine’s skies and ports, while stopping short of deploying forces to the frontline with Russia, as discussions intensify on a potential postwar settlement.

Tony Radakin, the UK Chief of the Defence Staff, is attending meetings at the Pentagon on August 20 to finalise commitments from some 30 countries regarding Ukraine’s national security, Caliber.Az reports, referring to The Guardian.

Radakin is expected to confirm that British personnel will provide logistical support and training, but will not be positioned in areas that could lead to direct combat with Russian forces.

Earlier proposals had considered deploying up to 30,000 troops to protect Ukrainian sites, but these plans were scaled back due to opposition from several European nations.

A British official emphasised the importance of the Pentagon sessions, noting that “nothing happens in Washington without the president giving the green light,” and that US President Donald Trump’s endorsement of security guarantees on Monday had accelerated planning.

Radakin’s statements are anticipated to mirror those of UK Defence Secretary John Healey last week, who affirmed that Britain is willing to deploy forces to help secure Ukraine’s airspace and waters, and to strengthen the country’s military capabilities. Officials clarified that the UK’s contribution would focus on training and logistical support rather than frontline combat.

The Pentagon meetings are being closely watched in Europe as a potential step toward a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Labour leader Keir Starmer emphasised that US security guarantees are essential for any settlement. Trump told Starmer and other world leaders on Monday that he is willing to provide such assurances, which his Ukraine envoy, Steve Witkoff, described as potentially “article-5 like,” referencing NATO’s mutual defence clause.

Starmer hosted a virtual briefing on Tuesday for over 30 world leaders to discuss Monday’s discussions at the White House. Downing Street confirmed that coalition planning teams will meet with US counterparts in the coming days to solidify security guarantees and prepare for the deployment of a reassurance force if hostilities end.

During the Pentagon sessions, US officials are expected to outline what commitments they are prepared to make. Trump, speaking on Fox News on August 19, stressed that American troops would not be deployed on the ground, saying, “You have my assurance [on that], and I’m president.”

British officials, however, are using the meetings to clarify the UK’s willingness to assist Ukraine. Forces could be deployed to help protect airspace and ports, but will avoid situations that might provoke combat with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday that he expects security guarantees to be finalised within the next “week or 10 days.”

Some analysts suggest European leaders do not anticipate Russian President Vladimir Putin will accept even a limited NATO troop presence in Ukraine, and that the proposal may serve to diplomatically isolate him. British officials reject this interpretation, asserting that preparations to deploy forces are serious. “You don’t get 30 chiefs of staff coming to the Pentagon if they are not serious about this,” one official said.

By Tamilla Hasanova