The Prime Minister will co-host the next meeting of the Coalition
of the Willing alongside President Macron in Paris today
(Thursday 27 March).
At the meeting, he will present the outcomes of this week's
planning meetings in support of Ukraine, which took place at the
UK military operational headquarters in Northwood over the last
three days.
The intensive sessions, which convened over 200 military planners
from countries across the globe, considered in detail the
structure of any future force to ensure Ukraine can defend itself
from future Russian aggression.
The Prime Minister will underline that all must come together to
support Ukraine to remain in the fight and back US efforts to
make real progress despite continued Russian obfuscation.
Planning so far has looked across the full range of European
military capabilities including aircraft, tanks, troops,
intelligence and logistics capabilities – and discussions have
centred on how European nations can contribute their own
capabilities to support any future force.
Discussions will continue around military planning of air, sea
and land forces that would be required to support a just and
lasting peace in Ukraine.
As the Prime Minister has repeatedly stated, a lasting peace in
Ukraine can only be provided if we step up and give real and
credible security assurances to deter Putin from coming back in
future.
The Prime Minister will say that excellent progress has been
made, and Europe is mobilising together in pursuit of peace, but
now we must continue to keep up the momentum.
The Prime Minister will add that Putin has clearly shown his lack
of commitment to the peace process, following ceasefire talks
convened by the United States in Saudi Arabia this week.
Published readouts from both sides confirmed a naval ceasefire
and prevention of use of commercial vessels for military purposes
in the Black Sea but Russia immediately backtracked and placed
conditions on the agreements – despite good faith participation
from Ukraine.
Prime Minister will say:
Unlike President Zelenskyy, Putin has shown he's not a serious
player in these peace talks. Playing games with the agreed naval
ceasefire in the Black Sea despite good faith participation from
all sides – all while continuing to inflict devastating attacks
on the Ukrainian people. His promises are hollow.
The US is playing a leading role by convening the ceasefire
talks, President Zelenskyy has demonstrated his commitment
repeatedly, and Europe is stepping up to play its part to defend
Ukraine's future. Now Putin needs to show he's willing to play
ball.
