On January 7, former British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace (2019-2023) raised a series of questions about European countries, including the United Kingdom, continuing to promote plans to deploy troops to Ukraine to monitor a potential ceasefire when the conflict with Russia ends.
Mr. Wallace is considered to be particularly knowledgeable about security and defense issues, and one of Britain's longest-serving defense ministers since Mr. Denis Healey (1964-1970).
Therefore, according to observers, Mr. Wallace understands better than anyone the realities and huge difficulties of deploying military forces to dangerous areas outside the country's territory.
Former Secretary Wallace said that the level of contribution that Britain can make to Ukraine in the form of a "reassurance force" is only about 500 soldiers, rotated from "other tasks", citing London's limited defense potential in this plan.
According to him, "other tasks" are likely to be the British task force, rotating permanently in Estonia within the framework of NATO's enhanced presence initiative to strengthen the security of the alliance's Eastern flank.
Sharing with local media, Mr. Wallace said that Britain can still deploy forces in the short term, but this plan is unlikely to last long and is likely to collapse soon. He also noted that, if it is truly implemented, London will have to prepare a larger force to maintain international prestige and clearly show its role in leading the "voluntary alliance", alongside France.
Mr. Wallace continued to express skepticism, although Prime Minister Keir Starmer showed strong determination after meeting with countries of the "voluntary alliance" on January 6, in Paris (France).
According to the former minister's argument, for about 30 years, Britain and many European allies of the US have prioritized investment in social policies, while expecting Washington to shoulder most of the responsibility for ensuring security and defense - or in Mr. Wallace's words, "paying the rest".
Not only that, Mr. Wallace said that among the 3 European powers including Britain, France and Germany, only Germany has taken drastic and clear steps in strengthening its defense capabilities recently.
However, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signaled that he would not deploy troops to Ukraine, but only limit his contributions to neighboring NATO countries, thereby making the "voluntary alliance" plan even more shaky.
