British Special Forces deployment to Ukraine has been ordered as part of preparations for a potential peacekeeping mission. The UK government has instructed its special forces to maintain a state of readiness to be deployed swiftly to Ukraine to support the ongoing peace process. This comes as part of the broader international effort to enforce a ceasefire and stabilize the region. The Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ), the UK’s military planning center, received orders last week to prepare personnel, including reserve special forces, for rapid deployment.
British Special Forces Readied for Ukraine Peacekeeping Mission
According to reports, British Special Forces units have received orders to be ready for deployment to Ukraine under the direction of the UK’s Cabinet Office. This strategic move indicates that the UK is preparing to contribute to a multinational peacekeeping force in Ukraine. The UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) issued the orders last week, calling for personnel and resources, including reserve Special Forces, to be prepared for rapid deployment.
The British Ministry of Defense has yet to comment on the matter, citing its policy not to discuss Special Forces operations. However, military sources confirm that this directive underscores the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s peace process through a highly mobile and specialized military force.
Keir Starmer Advocates for Troop Deployment to Ukraine
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been vocal about the need for international support in Ukraine. Starmer’s call for a “coalition of the willing” to deploy troops to Ukraine has gained traction, with several countries, including Britain and France, pledging to send troops in the event of a ceasefire. The coalition will meet in London on March 20 to discuss coordinated efforts to support Ukraine, focusing on peacekeeping initiatives.
Starmer has indicated that the UK is prepared to deploy troops to Ukraine indefinitely, but only under the condition of a 30-day ceasefire. On March 15, Starmer also suggested that monitoring the ceasefire might initially rely on satellite technology, rather than immediate troop deployment.
International Peacekeeping Forces in Ukraine
The UK is not alone in its commitment to Ukraine. Other countries, including France, Canada, Australia, and Türkiye, are in discussions about sending up to 30,000 peacekeepers to Ukraine. While some countries have pledged to send troops, others have committed to providing logistical support and weapons.
The peacekeeping mission would involve forces from multiple nations, working together to monitor and enforce the ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. However, there are concerns about the rules of engagement and how these forces will operate, especially considering the ongoing tension with Russia.
Russia’s Opposition to Western Peacekeeping Forces
Russia has consistently opposed the deployment of Western peacekeepers to Ukraine. Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, warned that such a move could lead to full-scale war with NATO. He also suggested that the UK and France should consult with US President Donald Trump before moving forward with peacekeeping plans.
However, French President Emmanuel Macron has asserted that Western peacekeeping forces will not require Russia’s consent. Macron emphasized that any deployment of peacekeepers would only occur once the situation on the ground is deemed safe for their presence.
The Growing Debate on Peacekeeping in Ukraine
The question of whether British Special Forces and other international troops will be deployed to Ukraine remains a subject of intense debate. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the situation will evolve, and what role the UK will play in the peacekeeping efforts.
