**Troops Deployed to Ukraine Won’t Act as Traditional Peacekeepers, But Will Support Ukrainian Forces**
The UK Defense Minister John Healy has clarified the role of troops deployed to Ukraine as part of a coalition of willing countries. These troops will not act as traditional peacekeepers, but rather as support for Ukraine’s own forces.
On April 10, a summit of defense ministers from 30 NATO member countries was held at the organization’s headquarters in Brussels. The meeting aimed to discuss military planning and operational readiness in anticipation of a potential ceasefire. However, Healy made it clear that the troops deployed will not be separating the warring sides or acting as peacekeepers.
**The “Coalition of the Willing” Aims to Strengthen Ukrainian Forces**
Healy stated that the most effective way to deter Russian aggression and cement a ceasefire is to strengthen the Ukrainian forces themselves. The coalition’s four strategic objectives are: a safe sky, a secure sea, peace on land, and a strong Ukrainian military.
The planning process for these objectives will accelerate in the coming weeks. However, Healy acknowledged that the “known unknowns” surrounding the precise terms of a future peace settlement make the situation complicated.
**US Excluded from Ceasefire Negotiations**
The US has been involved in multiple rounds of ceasefire negotiations with Ukraine and Russia, but Europe has been excluded from these discussions. Healy emphasized that this is not about negotiations, but rather being ready for the point after the negotiations, when a ceasefire and longer-term peace are achieved.
**Ukrainian Forces Key to Lasting Peace**
Healy stated that fortifying Ukraine’s military is essential to securing a lasting peace. This aligns with US President Donald Trump‘s top priority of his administration: brokering a lasting peace in Ukraine.
The UK Defense Minister also urged Ukraine’s allies to put additional pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to force him into meaningful negotiations. However, the coalition’s efforts have been stymied by Washington’s refusal to provide concrete security guarantees to Ukraine.
**The Coalition Aims to Deter Russia**
At least 37 countries have been involved in the coalition’s discussions, with members pledging assistance in the form of troops, intelligence, weapons, and naval support. Allied troops will likely work to secure strategic facilities in the rear while Ukrainian forces continue to act as the main deterrent to Russian aggression.
“The future force that Ukraine wishes to establish and the support…that they will get from nations led by the UK and France, as part of the coalition of willing, will be essentially part of deterring Russia for the future and giving the Ukrainians their sovereignty and their control and the best guarantee of peace for the future,” Healy said.
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