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UK sets condition for sending troops to Ukraine

UK sets condition for sending troops to Ukraine The British commander-in-chief is confident that British forces will remain safe (Photo: Getty Images)

The Chief of the Defence Staff of the UK, Richard Knighton, said he would not deploy British troops to Ukraine unless he was confident in their safety, reports Sky News.

In addition, Conservative MP Jesse Norman from the Defence Committee asked whether British forces deployed to uphold a peace agreement in Ukraine would be equipped in a way that genuinely ensures their security. In response, Richard Knighton said:

“I'm confident we will, deploy people to ensure that they are safe. But you'll know, Mr Norman, there is no such thing as zero risk in operational environments,” he said.

Knighton emphasized that the role of military leadership, supported by ministers in the decision-making process, is to assess the level of risk and ensure that the benefits we gain from deployment outweigh any risks we might face.

“I am confident, having been closely involved in [Coalition of the Willing] planning, that we have a means in meeting the requirements that have been set, and this additional funding will reduce the risk,” he concluded.

Peace and security guarantees for Ukraine

In recent months, Ukraine and the US have been actively working on a peace plan and holding meetings with the Coalition of the Willing regarding security guarantees for the country.

The most recent such meeting took place in Paris on January 6, where each coalition country’s contribution was determined.

According to The Times, the UK and France are considering the possibility of sending up to 15,000 troops to Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached.

Meanwhile, Germany has expressed readiness to help enforce a potential ceasefire in Ukraine but is not committing to sending troops.

Belgium stated it is prepared to provide air and naval support to ensure Ukraine’s security after the war.

Canada has also indicated it may deploy troops to Ukraine, with an initial contribution likely focusing on training Ukrainian forces.

Additionally, today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered the finalization of a document on US security guarantees for Ukraine.