UK considers deploying Typhoon jets to patrol Ukraine’s airspace – The Times

These security guarantees are being considered as an alternative to deploying foreign ground troops in Ukraine, as Russia has strongly opposed this move, the publication wrote.

Following U.S.-Russia negotiations in Saudi Arabia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the presence of NATO troops, whether under a foreign flag, the EU flag, or a national banner, is "unacceptable." A senior military source outside the UK told The Times that this was merely Russia’s position following the "first round" of negotiations.

One of The Times’ sources believes that an "air policing" mission will make sense, but it requires a significant number of Typhoons as well as air defense systems to protect them.

In theory, dozens of Typhoon jets could remain on high alert in case of any Russian attacks, while a smaller peacekeeping force from the UK and other European countries can ensure security on the ground.

A UK-led air patrol mission could be modeled after NATO air policing operations already conducted in the Baltic states. A source in the Royal Air Force called this option likely and suggested that the jets could be based in Poland. Discussions are still at an early stage, but a Times source said that the mission could involve aircraft "armed to the teeth," ready to take off around the clock.

Security guarantees amid NATO deployment debate

These security measures are being considered amid growing concerns over the difficulty of forming a foreign contingent to deter Russian forces along Ukraine’s border, even if Moscow agrees to it. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that 110,000 foreign troops will be needed, but the actual number could be twice as high due to the need for troop rotations.

Meanwhile, the EU is reportedly considering sending a force of 23,000–30,000 troops as part of a potential ceasefire agreement. However, a Ukrainian military source said this force would be "nothing" compared to a frontline spanning over 1,000 km.

On Feb. 16, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that London was ready to deploy British troops to Ukraine as part of any peace agreement.

Debate over possible NATO troop deployment to Ukraine

Discussions about sending troops to Ukraine resurfaced in November 2024, following Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election.

On Feb. 11, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that the U.S. would not send troops to Ukraine. Zelenskyy, however, has said that Ukraine is open to any peacekeeping contingent.

On Feb. 17, European leaders at a summit in Paris failed to reach an agreement on a possible peacekeeping deployment in Ukraine, Financial Times reported.

Meanwhile, the Dutch parliament passed a resolution approving the potential deployment of peacekeepers to Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron said that he considers it possible to "send experts or even troops in limited numbers, outside any conflict zone, to support Ukrainians and demonstrate solidarity." However, he clarified that French soldiers will not fight against Russian forces.