The UK government is developing a plan to permanently deploy thousands of troops to Ukraine as part of an international mission to monitor a possible ceasefire between Kiev and Moscow, the British newspaper The Times reported, citing a senior UK government source. According to the source, London views this as a long-term commitment that could last for years to ensure compliance with the peace agreement.

According to the publication, the UK has already agreed to send troops together with France, Turkey, Canada and Australia. In addition, more than 30 countries have expressed their readiness to support the mission by providing weapons, logistics and other resources. The total number of international peacekeeping forces that could be formed within the framework of this “coalition of the willing” is estimated at 30 thousand people. However, the deployment of forces is possible only after the conclusion of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, which at the moment remains the subject of complex diplomatic negotiations. 

The Western countries' plans have provoked a sharp reaction from Russia. Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Grushko called the idea of ​​deploying NATO military contingents in Ukraine absolutely inappropriate and absurd. According to him, the presence of foreign troops will automatically make them participants in the conflict, which will entail serious consequences. Grushko emphasized that Moscow is ready to discuss only the deployment of unarmed observers who could monitor the implementation of the peace agreement, but is categorically against any armed presence. 

The statements come amid intensified diplomatic efforts to find a way to resolve the conflict. In early March 2025, Saudi Arabia hosted talks involving the United States and Ukraine to discuss a 30-day ceasefire that could form the basis for a broader agreement. The administration of US President Donald Trump, who took office in January 2025, has repeatedly stressed the need to end the conflict as quickly as possible, but insists that any agreement must take into account the interests of all parties.