Countries cannot be "dragooned" into joining a coalition aimed at protecting potential peace in Ukraine, Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden has said. The UK and France have been spearheading efforts to establish a "coalition of the willing" to deter Russia from further invading Ukraine,

European leaders met in London to form a plan to help end the war in Ukraine. But even potential peacekeepers face political and economic hurdles.

We are very thankful that we are not alone. These are not just words, we feel it,’ Volodymyr Zelensky tells Europeans leaders

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that Britain, France and some other nations would form a coalition to draw up plans to offer Ukraine support in the event of a peace deal to end Russia's war.

The plan, spearheaded by the UK and France, was set out by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at this weekend's summit of 18 European and Canadian leaders, and would work to uphold any ceasefire in Russia's war on Ukraine.

The UK held talks with around 20 countries on a "coalition of the willing" to help ensure peace in Ukraine. The discussions are still in the early stages, Sky News reports. A government official told the outlet that British officials held talks on March 5 with representatives from about 20 countries interested in forming the coalition.