British officials are considering deploying Typhoon fighter jets to Poland for air patrols over Ukraine, similar to NATO’s Baltic Air Policing missions, according to a report from The Times on February 19.
UK ministers are exploring security options for Ukraine that do not involve large-scale ground troop deployments.
"Airspace patrol missions could be a feasible option, but they would require a significant number of fighter jets and air defense systems for protection," a senior British government official told The Times.
Possible Air Patrols Over Ukraine
Under the proposal, dozens of Typhoon jets could be placed on high alert to respond to potential Russian aerial threats, while a small peacekeeping force from the UK and other European nations would be stationed on the ground.
A source from the Royal Air Force (RAF) suggested that modern surveillance systems could monitor Russian attacks without requiring large numbers of ground forces. However, it remains unclear whether such a measure could prevent Russia from launching a new offensive after a ceasefire agreement.
The proposed UK-led mission would resemble NATO’s Baltic Air Policing, in which alliance members station fighter jets in Eastern European countries to monitor and intercept Russian military aircraft approaching NATO airspace.
UK’s Role in Supporting Ukraine’s Security
"This plan is more feasible than a full no-fly zone, which would require 24/7 air patrols," an RAF source said. "Fighter jets could be based in Poland. Discussions are in the early stages, but we are ready to act if given the order."
The Ukrainian government has not yet commented on the potential British deployment.
A UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson declined to confirm details but reaffirmed that Britain remains committed to leading efforts to secure lasting peace in Ukraine and deter future Russian aggression.
Challenges of a Ground Deployment
Many military analysts and officials warn that Europe may struggle to assemble a large enough ground force to patrol Ukraine’s 1,100-km (684-mile) border with Russia, even if Moscow agreed to a peacekeeping presence.
Some British diplomats argue that deploying UN peacekeepers in Ukraine could be a more practical solution—one that Russia might be willing to support.
Ukraine’s Security Needs vs. EU Plans
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed skepticism that Europe alone can guarantee Ukraine’s security without U.S. involvement, citing a lack of sufficient European troops to maintain deterrence against Russia.
According to Zelensky, at least 110,000 foreign troops would be required to secure Ukraine’s borders, and rotational deployments could push that number even higher.
By contrast, the European Union (EU) is only considering deploying 25,000–30,000 troops in the event of a ceasefire—far below Ukraine’s request.
A Ukrainian military source described the EU’s proposed deployment as "insignificant" given the vast length of Ukraine’s border with Russia.
Russia Opposes NATO Troop Presence
During a February 18 meeting with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made it clear that Moscow rejects any NATO troop presence in Ukraine as part of a ceasefire agreement.
"The presence of NATO troops—whether under the flag of an individual country, the European Union, or any other guise—does not change the reality of the situation. We will not accept it," Lavrov warned.
As discussions over Ukraine’s future security arrangements continue, the UK’s potential role in patrolling Ukrainian airspace could become a key topic in transatlantic and European defense negotiations.
(Sources: The Telegraph, AFP, AP)
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