A closed meeting of senior military officers from the “coalition of the willing” is being held in the UK on Thursday to discuss plans for a proposed peacekeeping force for Ukraine. With over 20 countries involved, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to participate in the meeting after a visit to Barrow, where he will lay the keel of a new nuclear-armed submarine.
The plans for a Western-led peacekeeping force for Ukraine are reportedly moving forward to the operational phase. Military officers from countries in the coalition, led by Britain and France, will convene at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood to strategize on how the force would function in practice. However, obstacles still exist, as Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed opposition to any Nato member troops in Ukraine and the US is hesitant to provide the necessary air cover.
During his visit to Barrow, Sir Keir is expected to praise the town as a model for how defense spending can positively impact a community. Additionally, he will announce that the title of “Royal” will be granted to Barrow in recognition of its role in national security. The prime minister also recently met with the crew of HMS Vanguard, a British nuclear submarine, emphasizing the UK’s nuclear arsenal as a credible and independent deterrent that is crucial in ensuring national security and the security of Nato allies.
Defence Secretary John Healey, who accompanied the prime minister on the visit, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to the UK’s nuclear deterrent, describing it as the ultimate protector of national security and the security of Nato members. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stressed the importance of having a credible capability in the face of potential threats, highlighting the significance of the UK’s independent nuclear deterrent and its dedication to the Nato alliance
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