Ukraine’s allies plan post-war security mission despite no ceasefire

Allies Plan Security Mission Despite Ongoing Hostilities

In the absence of a ceasefire in Ukraine, a group of Western nations informally known as the "coalition of the willing" convened at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Thursday to discuss military planning for a future security mission in Ukraine. The initiative, led by the United Kingdom and France, aims to define how international forces could support and secure a potential peace agreement with Russia—though such an agreement remains far off.

British Defence Secretary John Healey, who co-chaired the summit with French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu, emphasized the planning challenges amid continued Russian aggression. “We simply can't settle unless we get the circumstances of a negotiated peace,” Healey said, citing reduced certainty and limited time for military planning.

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly expressed a desire to broker a ceasefire, but neither Russia nor Ukraine has formally accepted terms. In fact, Russia continues its military offensive, targeting both Ukrainian frontline positions and civilian infrastructure, including energy systems.

Moscow’s Military Push Undermines Peace Prospects

A senior Western intelligence official revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains committed to pursuing military gains, believing they strengthen his negotiating position. This strategic calculus continues to stall meaningful diplomatic progress.

Despite this, around 30 nations—excluding the United States—have begun assessing the types of support they could provide to Ukraine in a post-conflict environment. While early proposals from French President Emmanuel Macron included deploying ground troops, discussions have now expanded to include air and maritime security contributions.

According to officials, planning is centered around four objectives: ensuring safe skies, securing maritime routes, maintaining peace on land, and reinforcing Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Military Planning Moves Forward, But Without a Timetable

Defense chiefs from the UK and France recently traveled to Kyiv to evaluate conditions and have now presented a range of military options to allied ministers. While Lecornu confirmed that “many countries are beginning to position themselves” based on political and military feasibility, he acknowledged that the process is still in a formative stage. “The rest will be done in writing during the week,” he said, with a report expected by the end of next week.

However, officials across the board agreed that no deployment could proceed without a formal ceasefire. Healey stressed that the mission would not resemble a traditional peacekeeping force and would rely primarily on the strength of Ukrainian forces themselves. “The best way of cementing a ceasefire is the strength of the Ukrainian forces,” he said.

EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas echoed this sentiment, pointing out the current reality: “At the moment there is no peace to keep.”

U.S. Reluctance Complicates Coordination

A major challenge remains the limited involvement of the United States. Many participating nations are hesitant to advance military planning without the logistical, intelligence, and air defense capabilities typically provided by the U.S. military.

“The coalition is trying to keep the United States on board,” Kallas noted. Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen added that Washington’s engagement is vital: “We are emphasizing that the U.S. must be a key player in securing peace in Ukraine.”

The broader Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which includes the U.S., is scheduled to meet at NATO headquarters on Friday. British Defence Secretary Healey stated that the group will unveil additional support for Kyiv during that session.

While peace remains elusive, Thursday’s talks signaled a coordinated Western effort to prepare for a post-conflict Ukraine. The road ahead may be uncertain, but for many of Ukraine’s allies, preparation cannot wait until the fighting stops.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for real-time updates on global security, diplomacy, and the evolving landscape of the Russia-Ukraine war.