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Former Security Adviser Cautions That UK Troop Presence in Ukraine May Last for Years
In the context of continuing talks about forming a peacekeeping coalition, the UK and France have indicated their willingness to deploy troops to ensure stability in Ukraine's future.
Lord Sedwill, a previous national security adviser, has suggested that the possible deployment of British troops to maintain peace in Ukraine could extend over a prolonged period, possibly lasting "many years."
In a recent broadcast, Lord Sedwill highlighted the necessity for the UK to exhibit strategic patience in order to provide essential security assurances to Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached.
Both the UK and France have shown their readiness to deploy troops as part of a coalition aimed at supporting any ceasefire in the wake of Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
This coalition, termed a 'coalition of the willing,' is anticipated to involve around 20 other nations, though not all may send troops, as some countries are expected to offer alternative forms of support.
The initiative, spearheaded by the UK and France, was discussed during a summit organized by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over the past weekend.
However, specific information regarding which countries might take part or the nature of their contributions remains undisclosed.
It is thought that this coalition could include various European and Commonwealth nations.
Downing Street has indicated that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed a willingness to contemplate contributing to the coalition during a recent dialogue with Prime Minister Starmer.
Norway's Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, also indicated a readiness to offer support, albeit without committing to specific actions, stressing the importance of clarity regarding the objectives to be secured.
Lord Sedwill warned that if Russia believes it can simply outlast the deployment of British troops in Ukraine, there is a considerable risk that efforts to safeguard any potential peace agreement could fail.
He stressed the necessity for the UK and its allies to be ready to maintain such efforts over an extended timeframe.
Simultaneously, worries regarding the United States' involvement in the conflict have emerged, particularly after reports that President Trump delayed military aid, intelligence sharing, and access to satellite imagery for Ukraine in an effort to encourage negotiations with Ukrainian President Zelensky.
Russian officials have strongly opposed the idea of deploying peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stating that such an action would amount to "direct, official, and unveiled involvement of NATO members in the war against Russia."
Moreover, Russian MP Yevgeny Popov warned that British soldiers would be perceived as targets, hinting at potential consequences for such a deployment.
In recent weeks, European leaders have demonstrated a renewed commitment to strengthening defense capabilities, culminating in an EU summit that approved joint borrowing of €150 billion for enhancing military resources.
Prime Minister Starmer praised this initiative as a major advancement for Europe.
An upcoming meeting in Paris is expected to play a pivotal role in furthering planning and collaboration concerning the situation in Ukraine.
The UK government has also revealed plans to collaborate with French President Emmanuel Macron and President Zelensky to formulate a diplomatic peace initiative for presentation to the United States.
Lord Sedwill remarked that there is an opportunity for a 'reset' within NATO, emphasizing the necessity for European nations to be prepared to take responsibility for their collective defense, especially as NATO has incorporated Finland and Sweden as significant military contributors.
Rose Gottemoeller, former deputy secretary general of NATO, commended Europe's proactive approach to defense spending and support for Ukraine, indicating a shift towards increased European self-sufficiency in security matters.
Former UK defense secretary Ben Wallace noted that while a reduction in US support for NATO would be significant, Europe has the capability and funding to bolster its own security infrastructure independently.
Numerous Western leaders have highlighted the importance of sustained US support in any lasting peace arrangement for Ukraine, with Prime Minister Starmer underscoring that coordination with the United States has been vital to maintaining peace for the past 80 years.
President Trump has yet to make a clear commitment to supporting this collective effort, linking any potential US involvement to a minerals deal in Ukraine.
In a recent broadcast, Lord Sedwill highlighted the necessity for the UK to exhibit strategic patience in order to provide essential security assurances to Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached.
Both the UK and France have shown their readiness to deploy troops as part of a coalition aimed at supporting any ceasefire in the wake of Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
This coalition, termed a 'coalition of the willing,' is anticipated to involve around 20 other nations, though not all may send troops, as some countries are expected to offer alternative forms of support.
The initiative, spearheaded by the UK and France, was discussed during a summit organized by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over the past weekend.
However, specific information regarding which countries might take part or the nature of their contributions remains undisclosed.
It is thought that this coalition could include various European and Commonwealth nations.
Downing Street has indicated that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed a willingness to contemplate contributing to the coalition during a recent dialogue with Prime Minister Starmer.
Norway's Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, also indicated a readiness to offer support, albeit without committing to specific actions, stressing the importance of clarity regarding the objectives to be secured.
Lord Sedwill warned that if Russia believes it can simply outlast the deployment of British troops in Ukraine, there is a considerable risk that efforts to safeguard any potential peace agreement could fail.
He stressed the necessity for the UK and its allies to be ready to maintain such efforts over an extended timeframe.
Simultaneously, worries regarding the United States' involvement in the conflict have emerged, particularly after reports that President Trump delayed military aid, intelligence sharing, and access to satellite imagery for Ukraine in an effort to encourage negotiations with Ukrainian President Zelensky.
Russian officials have strongly opposed the idea of deploying peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stating that such an action would amount to "direct, official, and unveiled involvement of NATO members in the war against Russia."
Moreover, Russian MP Yevgeny Popov warned that British soldiers would be perceived as targets, hinting at potential consequences for such a deployment.
In recent weeks, European leaders have demonstrated a renewed commitment to strengthening defense capabilities, culminating in an EU summit that approved joint borrowing of €150 billion for enhancing military resources.
Prime Minister Starmer praised this initiative as a major advancement for Europe.
An upcoming meeting in Paris is expected to play a pivotal role in furthering planning and collaboration concerning the situation in Ukraine.
The UK government has also revealed plans to collaborate with French President Emmanuel Macron and President Zelensky to formulate a diplomatic peace initiative for presentation to the United States.
Lord Sedwill remarked that there is an opportunity for a 'reset' within NATO, emphasizing the necessity for European nations to be prepared to take responsibility for their collective defense, especially as NATO has incorporated Finland and Sweden as significant military contributors.
Rose Gottemoeller, former deputy secretary general of NATO, commended Europe's proactive approach to defense spending and support for Ukraine, indicating a shift towards increased European self-sufficiency in security matters.
Former UK defense secretary Ben Wallace noted that while a reduction in US support for NATO would be significant, Europe has the capability and funding to bolster its own security infrastructure independently.
Numerous Western leaders have highlighted the importance of sustained US support in any lasting peace arrangement for Ukraine, with Prime Minister Starmer underscoring that coordination with the United States has been vital to maintaining peace for the past 80 years.
President Trump has yet to make a clear commitment to supporting this collective effort, linking any potential US involvement to a minerals deal in Ukraine.
