**Coalition of the Willing Moves to Finalize Command Structure for Future Multinational Reassurance Force in Ukraine**
Leaders of the “coalition of the willing,” a group of countries that have come together to support Ukraine, are finalizing command structures for a future multinational reassurance force in the country. The announcement was made by the UK government following an online meeting on July 10.
The coalition, which includes 31 nations, has been working together to determine potential security guarantees and a peacekeeping force for Ukraine. The group met in Paris in March at a summit for the coalition, where leaders of countries such as the UK, France, and the US discussed ways to support Ukraine.
**US Takes Part in Meeting**
For the first time, the United States took part in the meeting, represented by US Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg and Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal. The US has been trying to broker a ceasefire in Russia’s war against Ukraine, but two rounds of peace talks held in Turkey have been largely inconclusive.
**Command Structure Finalized**
The coalition leaders agreed to finalize the command structure for the future multinational reassurance force, which will be coordinated by a UK- and France-led three-star operational headquarters in Paris. The mission will aim to regenerate Ukraine’s land forces, provide air policing in coordination with Ukraine’s Air Force, and expand Black Sea mine-clearing efforts to restore maritime access.
**Leaders Emphasize Unity**
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine joined the meeting via video from Rome, saying that “everyone acknowledges that this is a war that can only be overcome through unity — and we have built the unity we need.” The coalition leaders emphasized the importance of unity in overcoming Russia’s aggression.
**Post-War Plan to Regenerate Ukrainian Forces**
The post-war plan will aim to regenerate Ukraine’s land forces, provide air policing in coordination with Ukraine’s Air Force, and expand Black Sea mine-clearing efforts to restore maritime access. A UK-led coordination cell will also be established in Kyiv upon deployment.
In a statement, the coalition leaders said that “the ‘Multinational Force Ukraine’ will bolster Ukraine’s ability to return to peace and stability by supporting the regeneration of Ukraine’s own forces.” They emphasized that strong Ukrainian Armed Forces are the best way to deter Russia and ensure the country is able to rebuild a thriving economy and attract international investment.
**Next Steps**
The coalition leaders agreed to continue preparations for the force, which could deploy to Ukraine immediately after hostilities stop. However, they have not so far publicly come up with contingencies in which Russia refuses to stop on the battlefield.
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