How Long is the UK Willing to Stay?
If British troops are sent to help maintain peace in Ukraine, they could be there for years. That’s the stark warning from former national security adviser Lord Sedwill, who stressed the need for “strategic patience” in ensuring Ukraine’s security if a peace deal is reached.
Speaking to Lord Sedwill he made it clear: if Russia believes it can simply outwait Western forces, then any efforts to uphold a peace deal could collapse. The UK, he warned, must be prepared for a long-term commitment.
A Coalition of the Willing
The UK and France have signalled their readiness to send troops as part of a wider coalition of nations supporting Ukraine. This group, reportedly involving around 20 countries, would not all contribute soldiers, some might offer other forms of assistance. But make no mistake: the UK and France are leading the charge.
The details of which nations will join and in what capacity remain unclear. However, at a recent summit hosted by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, discussions focused on what the coalition’s role would look like. Among those considering involvement is Australia, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stating he would “consider contributing” after a phone call with Starmer. Meanwhile, Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has expressed willingness to help, though specifics have yet to be defined.
Russia Reacts, With Threats
Unsurprisingly, Moscow isn’t pleased. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has dismissed the idea of peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, calling it a direct provocation. Russian MP and TV presenter Yevgeny Popov took it a step further, warning on BBC Newsnight that UK troops would be “direct targets” and that Britain would “get coffins in return.”
Such rhetoric only underlines the risks of any deployment. Yet, for the UK and its allies, the focus remains on stabilising Ukraine and ensuring that any peace agreement isn’t just words on paper.
The Trump Factor
The situation is made even more complex by uncertainty over US support. President Donald Trump has paused military aid, intelligence sharing, and satellite access for Ukraine, moves that some interpret as an attempt to push President Zelensky into negotiations. This has left European leaders scrambling to strengthen their own defence commitments.
At a summit in Brussels, the EU agreed to borrow €150bn to boost military capabilities, a move Sir Keir Starmer called “historic” and a sign that Europe is “stepping up.” A follow-up meeting in Paris next week is expected to refine these plans, with Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron working on a peace proposal to present to Trump.
Europe’s Moment to Step Up
With uncertainty surrounding America’s long-term commitment, some European leaders argue that the continent must prepare to stand on its own. Lord Sedwill sees this as a moment of transition for NATO, with European nations taking on greater responsibility for their own defence.
Former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has gone as far as to say that even if the US pulled out of NATO, Europe has “the will and the money” to secure its own future. But, as many Western leaders argue, lasting peace in Ukraine may only be possible with American involvement.
For now, the UK’s message is clear: if peacekeeping troops are deployed, they must be ready for the long haul. The question is, how long is Britain willing to stay?
