Britain is prepared to send troops to Ukraine to help defend its skies and ports as part of international efforts to secure the country’s future, though it will not commit forces to the frontline, according to UK military officials.
Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin is attending high-level meetings at the Pentagon on Wednesday, where representatives from 30 countries are working to define their commitments to Ukraine’s national security in the event of a postwar settlement.
Radakin is expected to confirm that Britain is willing to provide military personnel for logistical and training roles in Ukraine, but not for combat operations near Russian forces. Initial discussions had floated the idea of deploying up to 30,000 troops, but that figure has since been reduced due to concerns from some European allies.
“This is a critical moment,” one British official said. “Nothing moves in Washington without presidential backing, and Trump’s support for security guarantees earlier this week has triggered a lot of movement.”
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The UK’s approach is expected to echo recent comments from Defence Secretary John Healey, who said British troops could help secure Ukrainian airspace, ports, and military readiness, though not through direct combat roles.
Officials emphasised that the proposed British deployment would focus on logistical and support functions, helping Ukraine secure vital infrastructure and strengthen its armed forces.
The Pentagon meetings are being seen as a pivotal step toward laying the groundwork for a future peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that any meaningful peace deal must be underpinned by strong US-led security guarantees.
US President Donald Trump reportedly offered such assurances to world leaders, including Starmer, during talks in Washington on Monday. According to Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Steve Witkoff, the proposed guarantees could resemble NATO’s Article 5, which treats an attack on one member as an attack on all.
On Tuesday morning, Starmer held a virtual briefing with leaders from over 30 countries, updating them on his discussions at the White House.
Downing Street later said: “The prime minister outlined that coalition planning teams would meet with their US counterparts in the coming days to strengthen plans for robust security guarantees and prepare for the deployment of a reassurance force if hostilities cease.”
Wednesday’s talks at the Pentagon are expected to clarify what role the US might play in a postwar Ukraine. Trump reiterated on Tuesday that no American troops would be deployed to Ukraine, stating in a Fox News interview: “You have my assurance, and I’m president.”
Meanwhile, the English country plans to use the discussions to outline its commitments, focusing on non-combat deployments that could help secure Ukrainian airspace and maritime access in the event of a peace deal.
Officials made clear that any British troop involvement would avoid escalation risks and would not place personnel in confrontation with Russian forces.
