The United Kingdom is hosting a closed-door meeting on Thursday with senior military officers from over 20 countries as plans for a Western-led peacekeeping force in Ukraine move closer to the operational stage.
The gathering, taking place at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, brings together nations forming the “coalition of the willing,” led by Britain and France, to strategize on potential deployment frameworks. However, significant challenges remain, including Russia’s outright rejection of NATO member troops in Ukraine and US reluctance to provide necessary air cover.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to attend part of the meeting after first visiting Barrow, where he will lay the keel for HMS Dreadnought, a next-generation nuclear-armed submarine. While in Barrow, he will highlight the town’s role in strengthening national security and announce that King Charles III has granted it the title of “Royal” for its contribution to defense.
Sir Keir, who recently visited HMS Vanguard upon its return to Scotland from an Atlantic patrol, emphasized that the UK’s nuclear deterrence remains a key factor in maintaining global stability. “The Kremlin respects the UK’s nuclear capability because we have our own independent deterrent and remain committed to NATO,” he told reporters.
As diplomatic tensions mount, the outcome of these secretive military talks could significantly shape Western involvement in Ukraine’s security—and Russia’s response.
