The UK is considering sending Typhoon fighter jets for a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, according to The Times.
About this writes Times, citing sources.
In London, the organization of an air control mission under British leadership is being considered. It could be modeled after NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission, which has been protecting the airspace of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia since 2004.
A source from the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom indicated that this is more likely than establishing a no-fly zone, as that would require round-the-clock sky patrols.
The aircraft could be based in Poland. These discussions are in the early stages, but the Times' source stated: “We are ready to do whatever we are told.”
One government official noted that an "air protection" mission would make sense, although a significant number of aircraft and air defense systems would be required to protect aviation.
Theoretically, dozens of "Typhoons" could be ready for any attacks from Russia, while peacekeeping forces from the UK and other European countries would provide limited ground support.
One of the publication's sources hinted that cross-border attacks might be monitored using advanced technologies rather than ground forces, although it is unclear how this would deter Russia from violating any agreements.
Peacekeepers for Ukraine
Back in February 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron discussed sending his troops to Ukraine at a meeting of partner countries he convened in Paris. However, the states did not reach a consensus on this issue.
In November, the French publication Le Monde reported that some European leaders had returned to the discussion about the potential deployment of Western troops to Ukraine due to the possible refusal of newly-elected US President Donald Trump to assist Kyiv.
There was talk of readiness to send peacekeepers from Italy and Germany. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius noted that any European peacekeeping mission should also be coordinated with Russia. At the same time, Poland stated that it does not plan to send its troops.
American media circulated a plan from Trump's advisors to resolve the war in Ukraine, which proposes the creation of a demilitarized zone along the frozen frontline between Russia and Ukraine, with security guaranteed by the troops of European countries.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that partner troops in Ukraine could become one of the best tools to compel the Russian Federation to peace. However, he emphasized that the European peacekeeping mission should not replace Ukraine's NATO membership.
At the same time, Russian negotiators during a meeting with US representatives in Saudi Arabia stated that they would not accept any troops from NATO countries stationed in Ukraine.