Starmer unveils plan to deploy troops from 25 countries to Ukraine
Photo: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Getty Images)
The Coalition of the Willing has agreed on deploying a multinational military contingent to Ukraine as part of future security guarantees. The deployment would take place after a ceasefire comes into effect, stated UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer following the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris.
Who will guarantee Ukraine's security?
Starmer said that forces from 25 countries could be deployed to Ukraine within days.
According to the British Prime Minister, the partners already have a clear plan.
"We have a clear plan that we've developed. That is about deploying a multinational force in Ukraine. 25 nations are involved in this that are ready literally in a few days. I just want to see peace, a ceasefire, and we are ready to deploy," he said.
He noted that the plans were agreed back in January during a meeting in Paris. Participating countries have also prepared a broader package of robust and legally binding security guarantees for Ukraine.
Starmer calls for stronger support for Ukraine
The British Prime Minister also stressed the need to continue strengthening military support for Ukraine by:
- reinforcing air and missile defense;
- expanding defense production;
- supporting innovation.
Starmer confirmed that the United Kingdom will participate in the EU's €90 billion defense support program for Ukraine, which is aimed at long-term defense planning.
Earlier, the Coalition of the Willing announced that it would expand its membership. The participants agreed to hold their next summit in Ukraine and confirmed that two additional countries would join the coalition.
On July 13, the leaders of 10 European countries signed a joint declaration establishing the Integrated Missile Defense Coalition. The decision comes amid growing concerns over the increasing threat posed by ballistic missile attacks.
During the Coalition of the Willing meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine hopes to receive 300 Patriot air defense missiles from its allies ahead of the winter.
