Defence ministers from around 30 countries met in Brussels on Thursday to discuss forming a potential reassurance force for Ukraine, should a ceasefire be reached with Russia.
The meeting, led by Britain and France, took place at NATO headquarters. It was part of ongoing talks among European nations on how to help secure Ukraine's future, especially if U.S.-led negotiations with Moscow succeed.
"Together we're stepping up as one," said British Defence Secretary John Healey, "ready to secure Ukraine’s future following any peace deal."
The group includes about 200 military planners, mostly from the UK and France, but also from other European allies. Discussions have covered land, air and sea operations, and how to further strengthen Ukraine’s defence.
France’s defence minister, Sebastien Lecornu, said the first priority was ensuring that Ukraine does not face demilitarisation under any agreement.
Many European officials believe Russian President Vladimir Putin is not ready for peace. Still, they want to show U.S. President Donald Trump that Europe is prepared to contribute if a ceasefire is brokered.
Trump has said Europe must take the lead in securing any post-war settlement. But so far, he has not guaranteed that U.S. forces would help with intelligence or logistics.
Several ministers said they were open to joining a reassurance force, but needed more clarity. That includes the mission’s goals, its rules of engagement, and how it would respond to any Russian escalation.
Sweden’s defence minister said participation wasn’t off the table, but more answers were needed. Dutch minister Ruben Brekelmans echoed that, saying countries must first understand the risks and responsibilities before committing troops.
Iran should continue ‘blocking the Strait of Hormuz’, Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, sai...
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has set recognition of Tehran’s inalienable rights, payment of war ...
International security and climate change are top of the agenda as leaders and policymakers from around the world mee...
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was warned about the "reputational risks" of appointing Peter Mandelson as U.S....
New Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said Iran should continue ‘blocking the Strait of Hormuz’...
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has set recognition of Tehran’s inalienable rights, payment of war compensation, and international guarantees against any future invasion as conditions for ending the U.S.–Israel war with the Islamic Republic.
International security and climate change are top of the agenda as leaders and policymakers from around the world meet at the 13th Global Baku Forum in the Azerbaijani capital this week.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was warned about the "reputational risks" of appointing Peter Mandelson as U.S. Ambassador due to his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, files released on Wednesday (11 March) show.
New Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said Iran should continue ‘blocking the Strait of Hormuz’ in his first statement since his election, read out on Iranian State television on Thursday (12 March).
The 32 countries belonging to the Internatioanl Energy Agency agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil on Wednesday (11 March), in efforts aimed at bringing down the price of crude oil, which has soared since fighting between Iran, Israel and the U.S. started at the end of February.
Iran should continue ‘blocking the Strait of Hormuz’, Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, said in his first speech since being elected on Thursday. His words were read out by a broadcaster on state Iranian television. Khamenei has still yet to be seen in public since his election.
A towering lava fountain from Kilauea shot about 400 metres into the air late on Tuesday (11 March) on Hawaii Island, prompting temporary closures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and part of a key highway as volcanic ash and debris fell over nearby areas.
More than 68,000 children in eastern Afghanistan have been displaced after clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces intensified along the border, according to a new report by Save the Children.
Norwegian police apprehended three brothers suspected of carrying out Sunday's (8 March) bombing at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, in an attack investigators have branded an act of terrorism.
Freight transport on the China–Europe Railway Express grew strongly in the first two months of 2026, highlighting the growing importance of rail links between Asia and Europe. The network moved about 352,000 shipping containers between January and February, a 25% increase from a year earlier.
At least 64 people have been killed in southern Ethiopia following recent landslides and floods, the regional government’s communications office said on Thursday (12 March), citing local police
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 12th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Norwegian police apprehended three brothers suspected of carrying out Sunday's (8 March) bombing at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, in an attack investigators have branded an act of terrorism.
Oil prices continue to fluctuate as a result of the conflict in the Middle East with Iran and the insecurity of ships sailing through the key Strait of Hormuz route. Iran has said it will target any ship linked to the U.S., Israel or their allies.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment