# About 20 countries could join Ukraine coalition, UK says



About 20 countries are interested in joining a "coalition of the willing" to help Ukraine, according to UK officials.

It is not thought every one of the countries, which are largely from Europe and the Commonwealth, would necessarily send troops but some could provide other support.

The plan, spearheaded by the UK and France, was set out by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at this weekend's summit of 18 European and Canadian leaders, and would work to uphold any ceasefire in Russia's war on Ukraine.

Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said such a move "can't be allowed" because it would amount to the "direct, official and unveiled involvement of Nato members in the war against Russia".

## 'Clear and present danger'

In Brussels, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, held an emergency defence summit as the EU grapples with the prospect of Trump reducing security assistance for Europe.

Proposing an 800 billion euro (£670 billion) defence package, von der Leyen said this was a "watershed moment", adding: "Europe faces a clear and present danger and therefore Europe has to be able to protect itself, to defend itself, as we have to put Ukraine in a position to protect itself and to push for a lasting and just peace."

European Union leaders met Zelensky, who thanked them for their support, and said: "We are very thankful that we are not alone. These are not just words, we feel it."

Turkey indicated Thursday it could play a part in peacekeeping efforts, while Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin said Irish troops could be involved in peacekeeping but would not be deployed in any "deterrent force".

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also said he is "open" to sending troops to Ukraine as peacekeepers.

On Thursday Russia rejected calls for a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, with foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova telling reporters: "Firm agreements on a final settlement are needed. Without all that, some kind of respite is absolutely unacceptable."



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