REALITY BITES: EU's Coalition of the Willing

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced the formation of a 37-nation coalition aimed at securing a "just and lasting peace" in Ukraine. The coalition intends to maintain military aid to Ukraine, increase economic pressure on Russia, and establish a robust military force to enforce any future peace agreement.

This proposed force is not just a peacekeeping mission but rather a "peace enforcement" unit that could potentially engage Russian forces if they violate an agreement. There are ongoing discussions about where these troops would be stationed and how they would operate. Critics question whether such a force would be prepared to fight Russia and whether the West is setting unrealistic goals, such as expecting Russia to withdraw from occupied territories, pay reparations, and submit to war crime trials.

Former NATO Commander General Wesley Clark and British Lord Ricketts have raised concerns about the feasibility of the plan, questioning if the coalition would actually be willing to engage Russia militarily and whether the U.S. would provide backing, especially under a potential Trump administration. The discussion highlights concerns that Western leaders may not be fully considering Russia's perspective or the potential consequences of escalating conflict.