Sir Keir Starmer’s proposal for a “coalition of the willing” to keep the peace in Ukraine has been dismissed by military sources and critics as “political theatre” and “posturing” with little substance.
The UK Prime Minister introduced the peacekeeping initiative earlier this month, suggesting that several countries were prepared to enforce any peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
However, his plan has faced significant criticism due to the lack of concrete details about the troops, equipment, and logistical support that would be needed.
On Sunday, senior military sources expressed their doubts about the proposal, with one source telling The Telegraph that Starmer had “got ahead of himself.” The source criticised the plan as lacking a clear military strategy, pointing out the absence of defined end-goals and military assumptions. “It’s all political theatre. Starmer got ahead of himself with talk of boots on the ground before he knew what he was talking about,” the source said. “Now we hear more about jets and vessels, which are easier to do and don’t need basing in Ukraine.”
In response to Starmer’s announcement, Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, dismissed the plan as a “posture and a pose,” accusing Starmer and other European leaders of having a “simplistic” view of the situation, reminiscent of the wartime rhetoric of Winston Churchill.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that the White House is working towards brokering a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine by April 20, coinciding with Easter Sunday for both Western and Orthodox Christian denominations.
The plan calls for a ceasefire to take effect by Easter, provided that the Trump administration can successfully negotiate a truce. This initiative has added further pressure to Starmer’s peacekeeping proposal.
Military experts remain highly sceptical about the practicality of Starmer’s coalition, with concerns about its military legitimacy and effectiveness. One senior Army source highlighted the challenges posed by the size and positioning of the coalition force. “What is a 10,000-international force based 400 km from the front line supposed to do? It cannot even protect itself. What is its mission? What is its legitimacy? What are the rules of engagement?” the source asked.
Another military expert added that the coalition lacked the necessary clarity on its mission and purpose, making it hard to determine what role international forces could play in the conflict. “No one knows what the mission is,” he said. “What is its legitimacy? How is it commanded, supplied and housed? How long is it there for and why?”
Despite this criticism, the UK Ministry of Defence has insisted that momentum is building for the coalition, with some nations reportedly “prepared to step up” in securing peace in Ukraine.
Last week, discussions at Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) in Northwood, London, revealed that the UK had proposed RAF fighter jets providing air cover for Ukrainian troops. However, the number of troops that might be sent remains unclear.
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In the midst of these discussions, UK Defence officials continue to work closely with their French counterparts, with plans for further talks this week. Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, alongside service chiefs, is due to meet with French officials at the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall.
The ongoing collaboration between the UK and France aims to ensure both nations remain aligned in their support for Ukraine’s security.
Sir Tony dismissed the criticism surrounding the peacekeeping discussions as “nonsense,” asserting that the planning process was serious and necessary for future stability in Ukraine.
“The process under way, led by Prime Minister Starmer and President Macron, is preparing Europe and Ukraine for whatever comes next,” he said, adding that “providing a running commentary” on the options would be detrimental to peace efforts.
Further Criticism
However, some critics are still unconvinced. Sir Ben Wallace, the former Defence Secretary, referred to the coalition as “waffle” and emphasised the lack of resolve in Europe’s approach. “Putin sniffs that we don’t have any, which is why he doesn’t take us seriously,” Wallace said. “Until that changes, nothing will change on the battlefield.”
He further described the recent talks surrounding the coalition as “spin” rather than serious diplomacy.
