Royal Air Force jets could soon be tasked with policing the skies over Ukraine, as part of a bold new proposal discussed by Sir Keir Starmer’s coalition of the willing. Military planners met at the Permanent Joint Headquarters to debate sending British Typhoon fighter jets to offer air cover to British troops on the ground as they enforce a ceasefire in Ukraine.
The meeting, which saw representatives from over 30 countries, explored how the “coalition of the willing” could best support Ukraine as it enters its third year of fighting against Russia. One senior RAF source told The Telegraph that air cover would be essential if foreign troops were deployed to Ukraine, as it is standard to never send troops into conflict zones without providing them with top cover.
RAF jets, most likely Typhoons or F35s, would be tasked with providing air-to-air policing, ensuring that Ukrainian skies remain clear of enemy aircraft as troops work to maintain a fragile ceasefire.
Sir Keir Starmer has already pledged to stand by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, offering military support to enforce a peace agreement with Russia. Along with France, the UK is expected to send a combined 20,000-strong force to protect Ukraine’s major cities and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Ukrainian troops and an army of drones will defend the 600-mile frontline from any Russian advances.
In a statement, Sir Keir emphasised the importance of turning political intentions into concrete action, saying: “A deal without enforcement behind it is one that Putin will breach. We know this because it has happened before and I am absolutely clear it will happen again.”
There was also a warning issued to Russia that there would be severe consequences if they broke any peace agreement with Ukraine. “We need a forward-leaning European element,” said the Prime Minister, “to make it clear to Putin that there will be consequences if he breaches the deal.”
As the UK’s plans to support Ukraine continue to evolve, European countries are also planning for a future where they take greater responsibility for their own defence, with discussions already underway for a gradual handover of NATO duties from the US to Europe. This proposal, which aims to reduce European reliance on the US, could see a managed transfer of responsibilities over the next five to ten years.
The UK, France, Germany, and the Nordic countries are reportedly leading the charge to increase European defence spending and capabilities. According to European officials, it would take a decade of increased spending to develop European military skills to a level where they could replace the US’s current NATO competences.
With the US currently funding 15.8% of NATO’s annual budget and maintaining a significant military presence across Europe, this proposal aims to make Europe more self-sufficient and ease the burden on American resources.
The question remains: as Europe steps up to defend its own borders, will NATO’s future shift away from US leadership? Or is this just a response to Donald Trump’s threats to withdraw from the alliance?
