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The UK may send Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to patrol the skies over Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping mission. According to The Times, this option is being discussed as more realistic than sending a ground peacekeeping force, which would require the mobilisation of thousands of troops.
It is noted that such a mission could be organised by analogy with the existing NATO missions to patrol the skies over the Baltic states. A source in the UK Royal Air Force said that this option is more achievable than the creation of a no-fly zone over Ukraine, which would require round-the-clock patrols.
Russia’s position on the possible deployment of peacekeepers
Russia has already expressed its strong opposition to this initiative. After talks with the US delegation in Saudi Arabia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow would not agree to the deployment of any foreign troops in Ukraine, even if they operate under the EU flag or national flags:
“We explained today that the appearance of NATO troops in Ukraine under any flag is unacceptable to us.”
Nevertheless, a senior military official outside the UK believes that Russia’s tough stance is only an initial tactic in the negotiations.
Details of the intended mission
The mission could involve the deployment of dozens of Typhoon fighter jets to patrol Ukrainian skies to monitor compliance with a possible truce. It is also planned that air defence systems will be deployed to support the mission to protect the aircraft from potential Russian attacks.
Sources also said that a small ground contingent from the UK and other European countries could provide protection on the ground, but the main focus would be on air patrols.
The US supports the idea of European peacekeepers, but will not send troops
During a briefing at the Mar-a-Lago residence, US President Donald Trump said that Washington does not object to the possible deployment of European peacekeepers to monitor the ceasefire in Ukraine. However, he made it clear that the issue of sending US troops to Ukraine was not even under discussion.
At the same time, UK Defence Secretary John Healey acknowledged that “only the United States can provide a sufficient level of deterrence to Russia” to avoid a new invasion.
Challenges for the peacekeeping mission
Western military analysts have expressed concern that Europe will have difficulty deploying enough troops to patrol the entire 1 ,200km-long Ukrainian-Russian border.
Another unresolved issue is how to ensure effective monitoring of the ceasefire without risking direct clashes with Russian forces.
