British personnel are primed to arrive in Ukraine in just "days" once Moscow and Kyiv agree to a ceasefire, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) have said.
It comes following talks between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump took place in Anchorage, Alaska on Friday, where the leaders failed to agree on a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine.
Earlier this summer, the Government backed international efforts for a military plan to strengthen Ukraine's defences once the war comes to an end, labelled “Multinational Force Ukraine”.
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British personnel are primed to arrive in Ukraine in just 'days' once Moscow and Kyiv agree to a ceasefire
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A spokesman for the MoD said: “Planning has continued on an enduring basis to ensure that a force can deploy in the days following the cessation of hostilities.
“Along with securing Ukraine’s skies and supporting safer seas, the force is expected to regenerate land forces by providing logistics, armaments, and training expertise."
The spokesman added that it "will strengthen Ukraine’s path to peace and stability by supporting the regeneration of Ukraine’s own forces".
Early plans for the Multinational Force Ukraine were initially drawn up last month following meetings in Paris between military chiefs to liaise plans with the US, Nato and the EU.
A spokesman for the MoD said that 'planning has continued on an enduring basis to ensure that a force can deploy in the days following the cessation of hostilities'
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Just before the US President landed in Alaska ahead of the critical talks, Mr Zelensky wrote on social media that Saturday “will start early for everyone in Europe” as leaders on the continent digest to the summit.
The Ukrainian President added: “We continue co-ordinating with our partners in Europe.
“Russia must end the war that it itself started and has been dragging out for years.
“The killings must stop. A meeting of leaders is needed – at the very least, Ukraine, America, and the Russian side – and it is precisely in such a format that effective decisions are possible.”
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Veterans Minister Colonel Alistair Carns warned that the British Army would be destroyed in "six months to a year" if it went to war with Russia
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Last year, Veterans Minister Colonel Alistair Carns warned that the British Army would be destroyed in "six months to a year" if it went to war with Russia.
The minister said: “In a war of scale — not a limited intervention but one similar to Ukraine — our army, for example on the current casualty rates, would be expended, as part of a broader multinational coalition, in six months to a year".
In February, the MoD introduced plans a new fast-tracked application process for applications to the Armed Forces amid concerns of poor recruitment figures.
Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said: "This Government is delivering for defence and taking decisive action to address recruitment and retention challenges within our Armed Forces."
Before leaving Alaska on Air Force One, Mr Trump said that "a lot of points were negotiated" in a "very warm meeting".
The US President added that European leaders would need to be involved for any deal to be successful, urging Mr Zelensky to "make a deal".
After the meeting concluded, Mr Putin warned European leaders not to torpedo the "emerging progress".
He said: “We expect that Kyiv and European capitals will perceive all this in a constructive manner and will not create any obstacles, will not make attempts to disrupt the emerging progress through provocations and behind-the-scenes intrigues".