The United Kingdom will host a meeting of military chiefs from allies of Ukraine on Thursday, excluding the US, to discuss potential troop deployment to support the country. The gathering is expected to involve over 30 countries and will focus on forming a “coalition of the willing” to help Ukraine if a ceasefire is declared.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been leading efforts to establish the coalition since Donald Trump opened direct negotiations with Russia without Ukraine or Europe at the table. Macron, the French president, also plays a key role in this initiative.
Russia has rejected the idea of NATO troops being stationed in Ukraine, but Macron declared that such a force would not seek Russia’s permission. Starmer’s spokesperson emphasized that logistics, airfield use, and crew housing are areas where countries may contribute without Russia’s involvement.
EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas will visit London on Tuesday to meet British officials, while Ukraine’s parliament has set “red lines” for peace negotiations, including refusal to accept territorial concessions or limits on defense capabilities.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones have launched attacks on Russian oil refineries and territories, causing fires and injuries. Russia claims advances in southern Ukraine, but these claims are unverified by Ukraine’s military.
The US will not participate in this meeting, while President Donald Trump announced a phone call with Vladimir Putin to discuss potential territorial concessions and power plants. However, Ukraine has refused to accept such proposals, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire and support for its defense capabilities.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/18/ukraine-war-briefing-coalition-of-the-willing-military-chiefs-to-assemble-in-london