What is the ‘coalition of willing’ and could it help end the war in Ukraine?
Since Donald Trump began efforts to get Ukraine and Russia to agree to a ceasefire, European leaders have come together to commit to forming a peacekeeping force in Ukraine.
Sir Keir Starmer, who is leading the plans alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, has called the group the "coalition of the willing".
Downing Street says over 30 countries have committed to be part of the force, contributing in a range of ways.
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The group has met multiple times since the plans were first revealed a few weeks ago - on Thursday Starmer convened a meeting of military leaders from around Europe, as discussions enter an "operational" phase.
The PM said the "timeframe is becoming clearer" for forming the peacekeeping force.
"The discussions today will be operational, they'll be about how we turn concepts into military plans, particularly focusing on how do we keep the skies safe, the seas safe and the borders safe," he said.
What is a 'coalition of willing'?
The coalition includes nations that all want to ensure Ukraine’s territorial integrity and support efforts for peace. They are also ready to consider alternative approaches to end the war.
Britain and France believe this starts with continuing to build up Ukraine’s armed forces to create a deterrent to stop Vladimir Putin and Russian forces.
After Trump clashed with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, European countries have stepped up their efforts to find a resolution without relying so heavily on America.
Reports suggest the coalition could involve more than 10,000 troops on the ground in Ukraine.
Which countries are in this coalition?
Key players in the coalition include the United Kingdom, France and Canada - and Downing Street says there are more than 30 countries who have committed to take part.
Last Saturday 26 countries plus EU and Nato leadership joined a call Starmer held to discuss plans for the peacekeeping force.
Finland's foreign minister said last week they will "definitely" be part of the coalition. The President of the Czech Republic has also endorsed the idea.
Reports also suggest Turkey and Spain have indicated they are likely to contribute.
While not in Europe, Canada and Australia have suggested they are also open to the idea of deploying troops to enforce the peace.
Polish PM Donald Tusk said last month: "We do not plan to send Polish soldiers to the territory of Ukraine", but that they will support the coalition with logistical and political help.
It's also unclear if Germany will send troops, outgoing President Olaf Scholz said the country wouldn't be putting boots on the ground, but we're yet to hear the position of the new Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni has also confirmed the country will not be sending its troops.
Prime Minister Starmer and President Macron have been doing the heavy lifting on bringing nations together.
How could this help end the war in Ukraine?
The key aim of Starmer’s coalition is to bring together nations who are committed to ending the war but who may be more willing to engage in creative diplomacy or peacekeeping efforts.
By forming this alternative diplomatic group, it could challenge Russia’s strategy.
European Commission chief, Ursula von der Leyen, likened the purpose to turning Ukraine into a "steel porcupine that is indigestible for potential invaders".
The coalition’s success hinges on the ability to pressure Russia into negotiations, creating a broad-based international push that could sway the Kremlin.
Has a similar coalition been done in the past?
The concept of a "coalition of the willing" is not entirely new in global geopolitics.
The most notable example came during the Iraq War, when the US, under President George W. Bush, led a coalition of countries willing to participate in military operations in Iraq in 2003, despite opposition from some major powers such as France and Germany.
The name could be a coincidence. But, it's a reminder that the UK had the US' back when public opinion was firmly against the Iraq war.
Is this the European leaders asking the White House to have theirs now?
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