International News - UK and France Lead ‘Coalition of the Willing’ to Support Ukraine

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UK and France Lead ‘Coalition of the Willing’ to Support Ukraine

A group of around 20 countries is considering joining a "coalition of the willing" to support Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, according to UK officials.

The initiative, led by the UK and France, aims to uphold a truce and provide security guarantees for Ukraine.
While not all participating nations would send troops, many could contribute logistical, economic, or intelligence support.

Russia Condemns NATO Involvement

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has strongly opposed the plan, stating:

"This would amount to the direct, official, and unveiled involvement of NATO members in the war against Russia."

Moscow has also rejected the UK-French proposal for a one-month ceasefire covering air, sea, and energy infrastructure.

UK Steps Up Military Aid Despite US Policy Shift

As Washington pauses military assistance and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, the UK has ramped up its support:

£1.6 billion missile deal for Ukraine announced Sunday.
New £30 million deal with Anglo-American security firm Anduril to supply Ukraine with advanced attack drones.
Plans to provide Altius 600m and Altius 700m drones, capable of monitoring and striking targets in the Black Sea.

UK’s Starmer Warns Against Premature Deal

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking in Merseyside, warned against assuming a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine is imminent:

"It would be a big mistake to think all we have to do is wait for a deal now."

"If there is a deal – and we don’t know there will be – we must ensure Ukraine is in the strongest position possible to defend it."

However, Starmer stressed that security decisions should be made "in conjunction with the United States", highlighting the historic role of transatlantic cooperation in maintaining global stability.

EU Ramps Up Defence Spending Amid ‘Clear and Present Danger’

As European leaders grapple with the prospect of reduced US security assistance, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled an €800 billion (£670bn) defence package:

"Europe faces a clear and present danger. We must be able to protect and defend ourselves and put Ukraine in a position to achieve a lasting and just peace."

At a Brussels emergency defence summit, EU leaders met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who thanked them for their continued support:

"We are very thankful that we are not alone. These are not just words – we feel it."

Global Response to Possible Peacekeeping Mission

Turkey has indicated it may play a role in peacekeeping efforts.
Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Ireland could send troops for peacekeeping but would not participate in any deterrent force.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese said he is “open” to sending Australian troops to Ukraine for peacekeeping operations.

Russia Rejects Calls for a Temporary Ceasefire

Despite international pressure, Russia has refused to agree to a temporary ceasefire, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stating:

"Firm agreements on a final settlement are needed. Without that, some kind of respite is absolutely unacceptable."

What’s Next?

The "coalition of the willing" is still in its early stages, but support for Ukraine is growing.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey is traveling to Washington for talks with U.S. counterpart Pete Hegseth to discuss future security coordination.
Europe is accelerating defence spending as fears grow over reduced U.S. military commitments under Trump.

With Ukraine at a critical turning point, the next phase of international support could determine the war’s trajectory in the months ahead.