The UK is stepping up its leadership in international efforts to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine, as top military figures met in Kyiv ahead of major diplomatic meetings next week.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the UK’s Chief of the Defence Staff, held talks with his Ukrainian and French counterparts to lay the groundwork for a multinational force designed to deter future Russian aggression. The high-level meeting focused on Ukraine’s long-term defence capabilities and the planning of a “Coalition of the Willing” force, expected to include contributions from around 30 nations.
The visit marks a key moment in the UK’s ongoing commitment to Ukraine’s security, with Defence Secretary John Healey set to host a series of strategic meetings in Brussels in the coming days. Healey will first co-chair a gathering of Coalition of the Willing defence ministers with his French counterpart, before leading the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) alongside Germany.
The upcoming talks aim to finalise plans for a reassurance force in Ukraine and encourage further military contributions from allied nations. The UK and France are spearheading efforts to coordinate the security arrangements that will help prevent any future Russian offensives.
The UDCG meeting will bring together around 50 countries to coordinate military aid. In its first UK-chaired session in February, the group secured an additional €1.5 billion in military assistance for Ukraine.
The Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed the UK’s central role in rallying international support and shaping the future security framework for Ukraine.
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