The Times reported on Sunday that European nations are preparing to deploy over 10,000 troops to Ukraine as part of a "peacekeeping mission", with the United Kingdom and France set to provide a significant portion of the force.

According to a UK military source, the initiative has expanded beyond the initial three countries involved, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer securing commitments from over 35 nations to provide weapons, intelligence, and logistical support.

"It will be a significant force with a significant number of countries providing troops and a much larger group contributing in other ways," the source said.

Russia rejects foreign troops in Ukraine

Moscow has strongly condemned the proposed deployment, warning that any presence of NATO-affiliated troops, even under a peacekeeping mandate, would be seen as a direct threat to Russia.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made it clear that Russia will not tolerate such a deployment under any circumstances.

Additionally, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has estimated that Western nations could eventually deploy as many as 100,000 troops under the pretext of a peacekeeping mission, arguing that the move is aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s military rather than securing peace.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reinforced this stance, stating that the deployment of foreign peacekeepers in a conflict zone requires approval from all parties, and Russia does not intend to give consent.

Read more: Russia a 'threat to France and Europe': Macron

UK takes lead in rallying western support

The proposed European-led mission comes amid escalating tensions between the UK and Russia, with Moscow now officially labeling Britain as its "public enemy number one".

The shift follows a series of diplomatic clashes, including the expulsion of British diplomats and threats to seize UK assets in Russia.

Russian officials have accused London of playing the most aggressive role in prolonging the war in Ukraine, with the SVR describing the UK as a "warmonger" and the driving force behind Western opposition to Moscow.

According to Russian officials, the UK has played the most aggressive role in prolonging the war, describing it as "the locomotive that pulls others along."

Starmer pushes for coalition to enforce ceasefire

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has positioned Britain as a key force in shaping the future of the Ukraine conflict, calling for a "Coalition of the Willing" to enforce any eventual ceasefire.

During a virtual summit of 25 world leaders on Saturday, Starmer insisted that Russian President Vladimir Putin would "sooner or later" have to engage in serious negotiations.

"My feeling is that sooner or later, he's going to have to come to the table and engage in serious discussion," Starmer said.

He outlined three key objectives for the coalition, namely: strengthening Ukraine militarily, ensuring the coalition can enforce any future peace deal, and maintaining pressure on Russia to prevent further escalations.

Read more: Putin will have to 'come to the table': UK's Starmer