European Countries Confirm Readiness to Send ‘Reassurance Force’ to Ukraine

A coalition led by UK and France has confirmed its readiness to deploy peacekeeping forces to Ukraine following the cessation of hostilities. The announcement, published on the British government’s website, came after an online meeting on August 17 between European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to Kommersant.ru. “We reiterate our readiness to deploy security forces after the cessation of hostilities, as well as to assist in securing Ukraine’s air and maritime space and in rebuilding its armed forces,” the statement reads. On August 14, British military chiefs dropped plans to send 30,000 troops to protect Ukraine’s ports and cities, opting instead for a deployment of “reassurance force”. The revised plan focuses on providing air security over western Ukraine, supporting the training of Ukrainian military personnel, and conducting mine-clearing operations in the Black Sea. The British ‘reassurance force’ will consist of logistics, armaments, and training specialists, and will not be involved in supplying front-line troops, according to the statement. Their role is to support “the restoration and reorganization of Ukraine’s ground forces.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also stated that Britain is prepared to “increase pressure on Russia, particularly through economic sanctions and broader measures if necessary.”