War in Ukraine: “Coalition of the willing” wants to keep Ukraine plans secret

The “coalition of the willing” wants to keep its concrete plans for support from Ukraine after a possible ceasefire with Russia until further notice. Unveiling the plans and discussing them publicly would only make the Russian President Vladimir Putin smarter, said British Defense Minister John Healey in the NATO headquarters in Brussels in the evening. There, the group led by France and Great Britain had previously come together for the first time at the level of the Minister of Defense.

At the same time, Healey emphasized that the planning was very concrete. In the past few weeks, 200 military planners from 30 nations have participated.

When asked about details, the British minister only repeated earlier statements. Accordingly, it is about how the Ukrainian airspace and the sea routes could be secured in the event of an armistice. In addition, the coalition wants to “support” a possible peace on land and the Ukrainian armed forces. The plans should enable Ukraine to engage in a new Russian attack on an armistice without major fears.

Russia does not want soldiers from NATO countries in Ukraine

According to French information, the “coalition of the willing” work on a concept for monitoring a possible ceasefire as well as plans for even greater support for the Ukrainian armed forces through training and arms. Ideally, this should become so powerful that Russia does not dare to aggresses.

In addition, it is in discussion to station European armed forces in Ukraine themselves or at the Ukrainian western border.

The fact that soldiers from NATO countries are sent to Ukraine to a greater extent is currently considered unlikely. The reason is statements from the Russian side, according to which such a step in negotiations on an armistice would have to be excluded.

EU chief diplomat: military training in Ukraine is being discussed

According to the EU foreign commissioner Kaja Kallas, it is also conceivable that European soldiers will also train the forces there in Ukraine in the future. This is one of the topics that are discussed, she said on the sidelines of the meeting. Kallas pointed out that the EU has already trained more than 73,000 Ukrainian soldiers outside of Ukraine.

For Germany, the Bundeswehr General Inspector, General Carsten Breuer, took part in the consultations. The executive Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius (SPD) is only expected to meet the so-called Ramstein group in Brussels this Friday. For her, further arms deliveries and other military support for Ukraine are to be coordinated.

Trump’s course is concerned about Europeans

The “coalition of the willing” was founded after US President Donald Trump announced that they wanted to move Kiev and Moscow as quickly as possible to the end of a ceasefire agreement. Many Europeans fear that during negotiations in particular, Ukraine would have to make concessions and that the country could soon become the victim of a Russian attack without credible security guarantees. In addition, it is not excluded that the United States could stop military aid as a means of pressure against Ukraine.

The question of whether the United States wants to participate in possible security guarantees gave up Healey after the meeting. He only said: “The United States has taken responsibility to negotiate and convey peace.” And that’s why they would have a certain responsibility and a role in securing it in the long term – as well as the “coalition of the willing”.