The United Kingdom is set to assume a leading role in providing air protection for international peacekeeping forces in Ukraine.

The Telegraph reported on this.

The deployment of British fighter jets was discussed on March 20 during a meeting at the Permanent Joint Headquarters of the British Armed Forces.

According to sources, the British Royal Air Force may provide either Eurofighter Typhoon jets or F-35s.

A high-ranking source in the Royal Air Force stated that “the British Army and the Royal Air Force will be part of the first wave in Ukraine, and the UK will likely be among the first countries to take on this commitment.”

It is also noted that several countries would be ready to send their aircraft to participate in providing air coverage for the peacekeepers in Ukraine at the appropriate time. This will be done on a rotational basis.

Meanwhile, no commitments regarding air coverage have yet been promised or confirmed.

It is noted that the United Kingdom was taking the initiative, as the current policy of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration regarding the peacekeeping mission in Ukraine created uncertainty.

Trump had previously stated that he would not provide any military support for the peacekeeping mission, but he demands that European countries do more than what the United States is allegedly doing.

According to the publication, discussions on Thursday covered what the air coverage will look like, which countries may provide their aircraft, and where they will be based and refueled.

One military source emphasized that key priorities for the coalition included ensuring the security of Ukraine’s airspace and “returning the Black Sea to international waters.”

The i Paper, citing anonymous sources in the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom, reported that British Special Forces were preparing to participate in the peacekeeping forces in Ukraine.