UK peace force for Ukraine would cost well over 100m', says defence secretary

"Peace is possible, and if President Trump can broker a peace, then we will be ready to help secure that peace for the long term. That requires us to invest and prepare our forces to be ready to deploy, Healey said in response to a question. I've accelerated already millions of pounds in that preparation for any possible deployment in the event of peace. And I would expect the cost of that to be well over 100m, the minister added."

"The multinational force involves 30 countries who will be expected to contribute to a peacekeeping force if Russia and Ukraine can agree a ceasefire. It would initially be led by a French general, before the position and the headquarters rotated to the UK a year later. Its principal components will be a Nato-style air policing operation to secure the country's airspace and a maritime security force to support an existing mine-clearing Black Sea naval force of Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria."

"But although Healey said that Starmer had committed to UK boots on the ground, land forces will be limited to logistics, armament and training specialists to help Ukraine's army protect the country from future attack. The force would secure the skies and seas, and train Ukrainian forces to defend their nation, Healey said in a speech at the Mansion House."

The UK has accelerated millions of pounds in spending to prepare for rapid deployment of a multinational stabilisation force in Ukraine if a ceasefire is reached. The British contribution to the post-ceasefire force is expected to be well over £100m. The multinational force will involve 30 countries and would be initially led by a French general, with command and headquarters rotating to the UK after one year. Principal components include a NATO-style air policing operation to secure airspace and a maritime security force to support Black Sea mine-clearing efforts by Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria. Land forces will be limited to logistics, armament and training specialists to help Ukrainian forces defend the country and deter future attacks. A potential summit between Vladimir Putin and the US president raises the possibility of a ceasefire, though scepticism remains about Russian intentions.

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