UK preparing to contribute troops to Ukraine reassurance force

The UK is preparing to deploy troops as part of a European “reassurance force” to underpin any peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, according to reports overnight, even as the United States ruled out sending ground forces. The planning follows a high-level meeting in Washington and subsequent European discussions led in part by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Downing Street has framed the diplomatic effort as a step toward a durable security architecture for Kyiv. Sir Keir said there had been “real progress,” citing the prospect of a direct meeting between Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Vladimir Putin and work on security guarantees. Washington has maintained it will not deploy US troops, although President Donald Trump floated potential air support depending on the contours of any accord.

Officials stress that any UK contribution would be contingent on a ceasefire holding and on legal parameters agreed with allies. European capitals are coordinating closely on training, logistics and funding mechanisms, reflecting a broader shift toward long-term deterrence and reconstruction planning. London’s role would likely build on existing training missions and bilateral commitments, aligning with the UK’s emphasis on European security leadership.

Markets and businesses are watching the diplomacy for second-order effects. Energy prices and defense equities have been sensitive to headlines, and UK insurers and banks are modeling downside scenarios should sanctions be adjusted as part of a settlement. For now, investors are parsing signals rather than repricing risks, given the significant uncertainties ahead of any summitry.

The timeline and venue for talks remain fluid, and the Kremlin has not confirmed readiness for a leadership-level meeting. UK officials say objectives are unchanged: support Ukrainian sovereignty, deter aggression and embed security guarantees that reduce the risk of renewed conflict. The composition and mandate of any reassurance force will be central to credibility.