Photo: Depositphotos
16 March 2025
Washington, London, Kyiv
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is considering sending thousands of British peacekeepers to Ukraine as part of an international mission that could last “as long as it takes” to prevent new Russian aggression. The Times reports this with reference to senior government sources.
On 20 March, London will host a meeting of the defence ministers of the so-called “coalition of the willing”, where the possible scope of a peacekeeping mission will be discussed in detail. Potential participants in the mission include the UK, France, Turkey, Canada and Australia. It is expected that the total number of troops could reach 30,000, while other states will help with the supply of weapons and logistics.
Political strategy or threat of escalation?
The idea of a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine has already sparked a serious international debate. It remains to be seen whether the contingents will be given a mandate to use force in the event of a violation of the ceasefire by Russia. According to The Times, this issue will be one of the key issues in the upcoming negotiations between the allies.
Moscow has already reacted sharply. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko called the possible deployment of peacekeepers “unacceptable” and said that any NATO or EU military forces on the territory of Ukraine would be considered “participants in the conflict”.
At the same time, Kyiv seems to be positive about the idea of deploying an international contingent. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly stressed the need for security guarantees for Ukraine after a possible cessation of hostilities.
Trump prepares for talks with Putin
Against the backdrop of discussions about a peacekeeping mission, another key factor has emerged: a planned conversation between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. According to Reuters, the talks are to take place on 18 March and will focus primarily on the “territorial issue” and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
“I will speak to President Putin on Tuesday. A lot of work has been done over the weekend. We want to see if we can stop this war,” Trump said, as quoted by the agency.
US Special Representative to Ukraine Steven Whitkoff said that the parties could discuss a 30-day ceasefire, to which Kyiv has already agreed without additional conditions. At the same time, Putin, according to diplomats, expressed “concern” about the details of the agreement.
What’s next?
Currently, the situation is developing on two parallel tracks: military and diplomatic. If the allies agree on a peacekeeping mission, it could change the balance of power in the region. However, any presence of NATO troops on the territory of Ukraine will certainly provoke a sharp reaction from Moscow.
Will Trump’s meeting with Putin advance the peace process, or will it provoke a new phase of the conflict? Will the allies agree to send peacekeepers despite the threat of direct confrontation with Russia?
The next few days may provide answers to these questions.
