Ukrainian Security: US Rules Out, UK Considers Sending Ground Forces

After US President Trump ruled out the possibility of sending US troops to support Ukraine's security agreement, but suggested providing air support, UK Defence Secretary Healey said that the UK is still prepared to "consider sending ground forces" to reinforce any peace agreement in Ukraine. On Wednesday, military leaders from NATO's 32 member states will hold an online meeting to discuss next steps.

According to AFP, Healey told ITV on Wednesday (August 20) that "the Prime Minister Sunak has clearly stated that he is prepared to consider sending British ground forces if a peace is achieved through negotiations."

Healey said that the UK and "many other countries" want to support Ukraine to contain Russia's future hostile actions and ensure "we will stand with them and work to ensure long-term peace."

Meanwhile, UK Minister for Security Jarvis told Sky News that more than 200 military planners from 30 countries have been working together to establish this body known as the "voluntary coalition."

He said that the UK must be "prepared to intervene in the event of a permanent ceasefire and send a multinational force led by the UK and France to work towards ensuring long-term peace."

Jarvis said that as Ukraine rebuilds, "we can also play a role at an early stage to ensure the safety of the skies and seas."

Additionally, the military chiefs of NATO's 32 member states will also hold an online meeting on Wednesday to discuss the next steps. A specific measure being discussed is to establish a security guarantee for Ukraine similar to NATO's Article Five: that is, if Ukraine is attacked, its allies will automatically provide defense. However, this measure will be implemented outside the NATO framework.

The Chairman of the NATO Military Committee said that as "diplomatic efforts to ensure peace in Ukraine make progress," General Grinkewicz, the commander of NATO forces in Europe, will report on the current security situation.

It is worth noting that senior US and European officers met in Washington on Tuesday (19th) to discuss mechanisms for a possible Ukrainian peace agreement.

According to reports, EU countries do not intend to take on this security guarantee alone. They emphasized that Washington's involvement is necessary. European Council President Ancosta said, "Diplomatic activities are accelerating. The momentum for providing security guarantees to Ukraine is growing and has received the commitment of US participation."

US President Trump told Fox News later that day that he would not send ground forces. "We have European countries that will go first!" But he added, "air support is possible."

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841018111296519/

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