UK softens troop deployment plans for Ukraine amid rising risks

Britain is set to scale back plans to send thousands of troops to Ukraine, as the risks involved are deemed "too high."

The original proposal, which included deploying ground forces to protect key cities, ports, and nuclear power plants, is now under review. Instead, the focus will shift towards reconstituting and rearming Ukraine's military, with emphasis on air and sea protection, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The change in military strategy is seen as a way to encourage Moscow to adjust its red lines in the hopes of reaching a peace deal. While British and French military trainers will be stationed in western Ukraine, their role will be limited to providing training and reassurance, rather than engaging in direct protection or combat operations near the front lines.

Aircraft will also play a key role, patrolling Ukraine’s airspace and providing cover for Western troops. Türkiye is expected to contribute with a maritime role, further supporting Ukraine’s defence capabilities.

Although ground troops are no longer part of the immediate plan, the UK and its European allies will continue supplying weapons to ensure Ukraine remains strong in the event of a breach of any potential peace deal. No options have been ruled out, and the UK Ministry of Defence insists that Britain is committed to supporting Ukraine in some capacity, though the scale and nature of that involvement may change.

A source close to the discussions revealed that the initial idea of deploying tens of thousands of ground troops was seen as too risky, with potential escalation into a broader conflict. The source also noted that it was France that pushed for a more aggressive military stance, while the UK had always been cautious about the prospect of large-scale military involvement.

The evolving strategy also comes amid growing concerns in Ukraine about the commitment of Western forces. There are fears that any sign of trouble could lead to a swift withdrawal, reminiscent of the British retreat before Russia's full-scale invasion.

Diplomatic efforts continue, with British and French officials reportedly working to arrange a meeting between President Trump and President Zelenskyy, hoping to ease tensions and move towards a resolution. The UK is also pushing for a security guarantee for Ukraine, which would include the right to re-arm its forces. However, the ongoing negotiations with Russia remain focused on security guarantees and territorial issues.

With the mood in Whitehall described as "bleak," British officials are under pressure to ramp up efforts to deter Russia’s aggression while also finding a delicate balance that does not force Ukraine to compromise on its principles. The discussions are seen as a critical moment in the broader international effort to end the conflict.

The UK Ministry of Defence continues to emphasise that planning remains ongoing for options across land, sea, and air, with the ultimate goal of strengthening Ukraine’s armed forces and supporting peace efforts.

By Vugar Khalilov