**Only Six Countries Ready to Send Troops for Ukraine Reassurance Force, AFP Reports**
In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, only six countries have so far expressed readiness to deploy troops as part of an international “coalition of the willing” in case of a ceasefire. According to a report by AFP on April 10, these countries are the United Kingdom, France, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and another unnamed country.
The UK Defense Secretary, John Healey, explained that the troops would primarily be tasked with strengthening Ukraine’s military rather than operating as a traditional peacekeeping force separating the two belligerent sides. However, many leaders of the 30-member strong coalition have expressed concerns about the lack of clarity on the mission details, including what mandate the troops would have and how they would respond in different scenarios.
“What is the mandate? What would we do in the different scenarios, for example, if there would be any escalation regarding Russia?” Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said, according to AFP. Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson echoed these concerns, stating that “it’s helpful if there’s a clarity of what that mission would entail, and what do we do — if we are peacekeeping, deterrence or reassurance.”
**U.S. Participation Hinges on Commitment**
The participation of the United States is also crucial for the success of this coalition. However, the U.S. administration has signaled its intent to reduce its military presence in Europe and has ruled out sending troops as part of the reassurance force. London and Paris are seeking to convince Washington to at least provide airpower or intelligence support but have so far failed to extract any commitments.
**Russia Launches Fresh Airstrikes**
Meanwhile, Russia launched 39 drones and a ballistic missile against Ukraine overnight, according to the Air Force. This comes as Ukraine has agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire on March 11 during U.S.-mediated talks in Saudi Arabia. The attacks have destroyed part of a storage facility belonging to Biosphere Corporation, a Ukrainian manufacturer of household goods.
**Ukraine Seeks Military Aid**
In response to the ongoing conflict, Ukraine is seeking military aid from its international partners. The UK and Norway are set to provide a 450 million pound ($585 million) military aid package to Ukraine, according to Bloomberg. President Volodymyr Zelensky has also announced a new sanctions package targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet.”
**Commentary**
The readiness of only six countries to deploy troops as part of the reassurance force is a significant blow to Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen its military and deter further Russian aggression. The lack of clarity on mission details and the U.S. administration’s reluctance to participate are major hurdles that need to be addressed if this coalition is to be effective.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering, with reports of civilians being executed by Russian forces emerging regularly. It is imperative that international partners take decisive action to support Ukraine in its efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression.
**Key Points**
* Only six countries have expressed readiness to deploy troops as part of an international “coalition of the willing” for Ukraine.
* The UK Defense Secretary, John Healey, explained that the troops would primarily be tasked with strengthening Ukraine’s military rather than operating as a traditional peacekeeping force.
* Many leaders of the 30-member strong coalition have expressed concerns about the lack of clarity on mission details.
* The U.S. administration has ruled out sending troops as part of the reassurance force, and London and Paris are seeking to convince Washington to provide airpower or intelligence support.
* Russia launched 39 drones and a ballistic missile against Ukraine overnight, destroying part of a storage facility belonging to Biosphere Corporation.
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