Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s former commander-in-chief and current ambassador to the UK, voiced skepticism on Wednesday about the British-and French-led “Coalition of the Willing.”
The plans, unveiled in early July, included a headquarters in Paris, securing Ukrainian airspace, and naval demining in the Black Sea to help Ukraine rebuild its military – but only after the “cessation of hostilities.”
Zaluzhny, speaking to Ukrainian outlet LB.ua, said the proposed contingent has a limited presence that is insufficient to provide real protection for Ukraine.
“What kind of contingent are we talking about – a contingent that can repel 500 drones over Kyiv or one that will come here in red, nice pants? So, what’s the point of it? There’s probably no point in it – it needs to have the capabilities to ensure peace in the country,” Zaluzhny said, according to state media outlet Ukrinform.
“They are very, very limited.”
The press release from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office at the time did not mention the size of the planned contingent.
Despite his criticisms, Zaluznhy also welcomed what he called some positive form of “political support.”
“It is very good when a country declares the support it shows and its readiness to send its soldiers, if necessary,” Zaluzhny said.
“But this is just political support, which can be measured by other criteria than shooting down drones over Kyiv,” he added.
In early 2025, the UK and France announced the “Coalition of the Willing” initiative to deploy French and British peacekeepers on the ground in Ukraine before a potential ceasefire, but have not finalized a plan amid their failure to secure a “US backstop.”
According to a statement from Starmer’s office in early July, the force is supposed to:
- Regenerate land forces: providing logistics, armament, and training specialists to assist with the regeneration and reconstitution of Ukraine’s land forces.
- Secure Ukraine’s skies: The Coalition will provide safe skies alongside Ukraine’s Air Force using Coalition aircraft to deliver Air Policing, reassuring the Ukrainian population and establishing the conditions for normal international air travel to re-commence.
- Support safer seas: The existing Black Sea Task Force of Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria will be bolstered by additional specialist staff to accelerate the clearance of mines from the Black Sea and ensure safe and secure maritime access for all vessels transiting to and from Ukrainian ports.