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UK Military Insufficiently Resourced for Potential Ukraine Peacekeeping Mission, Former Army Chief Warns
Lord Dannatt highlights the UK's troop limitations and defense spending concerns as international dialogues on Ukraine's future continue.
The former head of the British Army, Lord Dannatt, has stated that the UK military is too diminished to lead any potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.
Speaking to the BBC, Lord Dannatt estimated that approximately 40,000 troops would be required for such a mission, asserting that the UK does not currently have the personnel available.
This statement follows Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's suggestion that the UK would contribute to guaranteeing Ukraine's security, made after discussions about the possibility of sending British troops as part of peacekeeping efforts.
Lord Dannatt, who served as head of the Army from 2006 to 2009, emphasized that a substantial peacekeeping force would need to number between 50,000 and 100,000 troops, with the UK required to supply a significant proportion.
He noted, "Our military is so run down at the present moment, numerically and as far as capability and equipment is concerned, it would potentially be quite embarrassing." He explained that deploying 10,000 troops on a rotation basis would effectively require 30,000 to 40,000 personnel, a number that the UK military cannot afford at this time.
In a joint article for the Daily Telegraph, the UK's Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, and Defence Secretary, John Healey, stressed the need for the UK and Europe to enhance their contributions to regional security.
Lammy expressed optimism following talks with U.S. Vice-President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference, where both leaders agreed on the necessity of an enduring peace in Ukraine, while also emphasizing the inclusion of Ukrainian perspectives in any negotiated settlement.
The conference saw Vance deliver remarks anticipating discussions to conclude the ongoing conflict but largely focused on urging European nations to bolster their defense responsibilities.
Vance criticized the internal threats faced by European democracies, suggesting that these were of greater concern than external threats from nations such as Russia and China.
Lord Dannatt's remarks coincide with ongoing discussions regarding the UK's defense capabilities.
Current figures from the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence indicate that the regular Army consists of 74,612 members, a number that has not met recruitment targets consistently set by the Ministry since the financial year 2010-2011.
Amid these discussions, Zelensky's appeals for a peacekeeping force comprising UK and European troops have been reiterated.
The UK has already pledged substantial support to Ukraine, amounting to £12.8 billion, alongside a commitment to provide £3 billion annually for the foreseeable future.
Approximately 50,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained in the UK to date.
Responding to Lord Dannatt's concerns, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence affirmed the high regard in which the UK's armed forces are held, both domestically and internationally.
They reiterated the government's commitment to enhancing support for Ukraine, referencing a recent £150 million package aimed at supplying drones, tanks, and air defense systems to bolster Ukrainian military operations.
Speaking to the BBC, Lord Dannatt estimated that approximately 40,000 troops would be required for such a mission, asserting that the UK does not currently have the personnel available.
This statement follows Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's suggestion that the UK would contribute to guaranteeing Ukraine's security, made after discussions about the possibility of sending British troops as part of peacekeeping efforts.
Lord Dannatt, who served as head of the Army from 2006 to 2009, emphasized that a substantial peacekeeping force would need to number between 50,000 and 100,000 troops, with the UK required to supply a significant proportion.
He noted, "Our military is so run down at the present moment, numerically and as far as capability and equipment is concerned, it would potentially be quite embarrassing." He explained that deploying 10,000 troops on a rotation basis would effectively require 30,000 to 40,000 personnel, a number that the UK military cannot afford at this time.
In a joint article for the Daily Telegraph, the UK's Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, and Defence Secretary, John Healey, stressed the need for the UK and Europe to enhance their contributions to regional security.
Lammy expressed optimism following talks with U.S. Vice-President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference, where both leaders agreed on the necessity of an enduring peace in Ukraine, while also emphasizing the inclusion of Ukrainian perspectives in any negotiated settlement.
The conference saw Vance deliver remarks anticipating discussions to conclude the ongoing conflict but largely focused on urging European nations to bolster their defense responsibilities.
Vance criticized the internal threats faced by European democracies, suggesting that these were of greater concern than external threats from nations such as Russia and China.
Lord Dannatt's remarks coincide with ongoing discussions regarding the UK's defense capabilities.
Current figures from the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence indicate that the regular Army consists of 74,612 members, a number that has not met recruitment targets consistently set by the Ministry since the financial year 2010-2011.
Amid these discussions, Zelensky's appeals for a peacekeeping force comprising UK and European troops have been reiterated.
The UK has already pledged substantial support to Ukraine, amounting to £12.8 billion, alongside a commitment to provide £3 billion annually for the foreseeable future.
Approximately 50,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained in the UK to date.
Responding to Lord Dannatt's concerns, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence affirmed the high regard in which the UK's armed forces are held, both domestically and internationally.
They reiterated the government's commitment to enhancing support for Ukraine, referencing a recent £150 million package aimed at supplying drones, tanks, and air defense systems to bolster Ukrainian military operations.
