UK considers sending troops to Ukraine for 5 years - The Telegraph

According to the British edition, the UK government is considering the possibility of stationing British troops in Ukraine for five years. The plan is to help train and rebuild Ukraine’s military forces in order to prevent further military aggression from Russia.

During discussions between the UK and France on the Coalition of the Willing, the issue of the gradual withdrawal of troops was raised.

According to The Telegraph, under the plan - one of several options on the table - European-led military forces would be deployed to Ukraine, initially to deter Russia from violating any agreements and to provide the Ukrainian side with much-needed respite.

The report also notes that, given the current state of Russia’s military and its capabilities, French military planners consider the likelihood of Russian President Vladimir Putin daring to attack Western forces in Ukraine as highly unlikely.

As per the plan, the peacekeeping forces under the leadership of France and the UK could also assist in protecting Ukraine’s airspace and seas.

The primary goal of the deployment would be the immediate commencement of training and rebuilding the Ukrainian Armed Forces to deter any potential future Russian attacks.

Later, the Western contingent would gradually withdraw from Ukraine, with the last troops expected to depart in about five years, according to The Telegraph.

Heads of British, Danish, and German intelligence believe that Putin may be preparing for a new attack within the next five years.

The British edition also reminded readers of a statement by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in March declaring that a significant number of countries are willing to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement with Russia.

Question of sending a Western military contingent to Ukraine

On April 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that French and British troops would be among the first to arrive in Ukraine. According to the head of state, these countries are the main representatives of the European continent.

Additionally, on that day, a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing took place in Kyiv. This coalition includes European countries and others that have pledged to assist Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. The creation of the coalition was announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on March 2, 2025.

The coalition's goal is to strengthen European support for Ukraine, lay the groundwork for a peaceful resolution, and involve allies in this process amidst the unstable US policy regarding the Ukrainian issue.

On April 5, President Zelenskyy commented on the foreign contingent in Ukraine, stating there has been significant progress on this issue.

On April 10, AFP reported that European defense ministers held new talks on the potential deployment of troops to Ukraine. Approximately six countries have already agreed to send their soldiers to Ukrainian territory.