Major international coalition forms to support Ukraine peacekeeping efforts

A "significant number" of countries are expected to provide troops to a proposed Ukraine peacekeeping force, a spokesperson for UK Prime Minister said.

The announcement follows a virtual meeting on March 15 of 26 Western countries, along with two EU leaders and NATO Secretary General, as part of a "coalition of the willing" aimed at advancing peace efforts in Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

The meeting took place after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accepted a 30-day interim ceasefire agreement. Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, stated that military leaders would convene on March 19 to discuss the next "operational phase" in the peacekeeping mission, contingent on securing a deal with Russia.

In a press briefing on March 17, Starmer’s spokesperson confirmed that more than 30 countries are now expected to be involved in the coalition, though specific names were not disclosed. "The contribution capabilities will vary, but this will be a significant force, with a significant number of countries providing troops and a larger group contributing in other ways," the spokesperson added.

Both the UK and France have confirmed their participation in the peacekeeping force, but questions remain regarding the potential involvement of NATO forces. Russia has repeatedly expressed opposition to the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine, with the spokesperson noting that discussions around the operational specifics are ongoing. When asked if British troops fired upon by Russian forces would be allowed to return fire, the spokesperson responded, "It's worth remembering that Russia didn't ask Ukraine when it deployed troops."

The spokesman also mentioned the lack of clarity regarding the US’s role in the coalition, stating that it is uncertain if American representatives will join Thursday's military chiefs' meeting. However, the UK continues to engage in "regular discussions with our American counterparts" on security guarantees and peace deal contingencies.

The peacekeeping initiative follows a recent statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who expressed support for the truce brokered by the US in Saudi Arabia but noted that "lots of questions" remain about the proposals. Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump announced that he would hold talks with Putin on March 18 to discuss ending the war, with discussions already underway regarding the division of assets such as land and power plants.

The countries involved in March 15 call included Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, Ukraine, and the UK. EU leaders including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Antonio Costa, along with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, also joined.

By Vafa Guliyeva