UK prepares for potential troop deployment to Ukraine
Photo: British troops (Getty Images)
The United Kingdom is intensifying preparations for the possible deployment of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. The defence secretary said the potential contingent would be tasked with supporting a ceasefire and deterring further attacks, according to The i Paper.
Stepped-up preparations for deployment
The United Kingdom is developing plans to deploy a military contingent to Ukraine to support a potential ceasefire. The Ministry of Defence has begun procuring the necessary equipment and is reviewing readiness procedures to ensure units can be deployed at short notice.
Role and mission of contingent
UK defence officials say funding is being directed toward preparing forces for post-conflict tasks, with the possible involvement of both ground troops and air assets. The primary mission of the contingent would be to deter potential attacks by Russia after any agreements are signed.
Logistics and equipment
The plans include identifying deployment locations and movement routes, as well as equipping units with modern capabilities—ranging from drones and electronic warfare systems to vehicles and personal protective gear. If a NATO presence on Ukrainian territory were to complicate negotiations, units could be temporarily based in allied countries, such as Poland, while remaining ready to intervene if needed.
Units on standby
Among the first units that could be deployed is the 16th Air Assault Brigade (Global Response Force), based in Colchester and specialising in rapid crisis response. Other units may also be prepared to maintain a reserve capability.
According to sources, a coalition of participating countries has been working on such plans for some time, but preparations have recently been accelerated amid the growing prospect of a halt to hostilities.
Earlier, UK officials reiterated their readiness to station British troops in Ukraine after the end of active fighting. The British government has also indicated its intention to allocate £8 billion (approximately $10.6 billion) in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
