UK scales back plans for sending troops to Ukraine
Officials are now proposing what the Times described as a more 'realistic mission,' with a focus on 'air reassurance flights' over western Ukraine involving jets such as Typhoons or F-35s as a form of deterrence.
The Times said that Kiev's backers will provide support for training the Ukrainian military and clearance of mines from the Black Sea. Most of the efforts will take place in the west of the country where the risk of attack is lower.
The role of the United States in the plan remains unclear, according to the paper. Moscow has repeatedly warned it would not tolerate any NATO member's presence in Ukraine under any circumstances.
Ukraine's Vladimir Zelensky held talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and several European leaders ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's summit with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, in Alaska.
Starmer said that Kiev's backers have credible plans to deploy a 'reassurance force' to Ukraine. He added he believes there is a 'viable chance' of a ceasefire but stressed that Ukraine's 'territorial integrity' must be protected.
Meanwhile, several European states have already signaled reluctance to send personnel to Ukraine under any arrangement. Poland, Spain, and Germany have ruled out contributing troops, citing fear of escalation.
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