UK plans "reassurance force" in Ukraine, ready for ceasefire deployment

British and allied troops are prepared to act from the first day of a ceasefire in Ukraine, Defence Secretary Grant Healey said, as Russian and American delegations arrived in Alaska for a high-stakes summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Healey dismissed suggestions that the UK’s approach is to “watch and wait,” stressing that Britain’s role is to lead military aid to Ukraine and ensure that ongoing support does not jeopardise a potential peace.

The UK has committed to providing a “reassurance force” in Ukraine should a peace agreement be reached. However, recent reports suggest this force may be smaller than the 30,000 troops initially planned.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Healey said any British forces would have the right to defend themselves if attacked, but emphasised that they are part of a broader “coalition of the willing,” which has involved over 200 military planners from 30 nations conducting detailed preparations for a ceasefire. These plans include measures to secure skies and seas and to help rebuild Ukrainian forces. A joint headquarters with France has already been established to coordinate these efforts.

“The troops are ready to go. They’re ready to act from day one in a ceasefire,” Healey said, noting that the UK’s contribution would support Ukraine on the battlefield and in negotiations while also deterring further Russian aggression. He added that the government is prepared to step up economic pressure on Russia if talks are not taken seriously.

Healey described the summit as a “first step towards serious negotiations,” emphasising that the resolution of the conflict must come through diplomacy. The UK has repeatedly signalled that it will continue intensive diplomacy and military support to Ukraine, even as questions remain about whether Kyiv could be pressured to cede territory as part of any settlement.

European leaders have expressed cautious optimism ahead of the meeting, following a joint call with President Trump earlier this week.

The US president also suggested that, if the Alaska summit is successful, European leaders could be invited to a second meeting.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with Downing Street noting that both parties were cautiously hopeful about a truce, contingent on Putin demonstrating a genuine commitment to ending the war.

By Tamilla Hasanova