Around thirty countries and organisations from the ‘coalition of the willing’ met in Brussels, on Thursday 10 April, for the first time at defence minister level, to discuss how they could ensure Ukraine’s security. The aim is to define the contours of a reassurance force, which should prevent any attack by Russia after a ceasefire.
“Our planning is real and substantial. Our plans are well developed and we have clear objectives for Ukraine”, assured the British Defence Minister, John Healey, before the meeting, adding that the aim is to be ready in the event of a ceasefire. According to him, the aim of the force would be to ensure the security of the skies and seas, support peace on land and help the Ukrainian armed forces “to become their own most powerful deterrent force”.
However, several ministers acknowledged that it was difficult to define the mandate of this force without knowing the terms of the ceasefire agreement. “It would be useful to clarify what this mission entails. (...) The volume and rules of engagement would also be essential points to clarify”, highlighted Sweden’s Pål Jonson before the meeting. Other ministers are wondering whether such a mission will be possible without support from the United States.
Of the 30 or so members of the coalition, six would be prepared to send troops (France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and the Baltic States). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)