British Defense Minister John Gili reiterated during a press conference following the “Coalition of the Willing” meeting that the future contingent will not perform peacekeeping functions. This clarification was a response to journalists’ questions regarding various definitions that were mentioned before the meeting began, particularly about the possibility of a monitoring or peacekeeping mission.
This is reported by Kyiv24
“No one has ever heard me talk about peacekeeping forces. These are not peacekeeping forces that will separate the opposing sides at the front line. The most effective deterrent against renewed Putin’s aggression, the best way to solidify the ceasefire is the strength of the Ukrainian forces themselves,” Gili stated.
In response to a question about the involvement of the United States in implementing the future mission, he emphasized that Washington would take on the responsibility for mediation and conducting peace negotiations. According to Gili, “and in light of this, they will have a certain responsibility and role in ensuring it in the long term.” The minister also added that the coalition could strengthen the capacity to establish lasting peace.
The meeting, which involved representatives from 30 countries, including New Zealand, Australia, and Japan, discussed military planning issues. Gili noted that over the past few weeks, 200 military personnel from 30 countries have participated in this process. “We will deepen military planning in specific areas – air, maritime, land, and the recovery of Ukrainian forces for the future,” he reported.
It should be noted that on April 10, the first meeting of the defense ministers of the participating countries of the “Coalition of the Willing” took place at NATO headquarters in Brussels, which was initiated in February by France and the United Kingdom. This meeting was the first at the level of defense ministers following the visit of British and French military leaders to Kyiv.