Britain is preparing to patrol Ukraine’s airspace with Typhoon fighter jets once the war with Russia ends, as part of a potential security agreement, according to sources in the British government and the Royal Air Force (RAF) cited by The Times.
London is reportedly discussing the formation of an “air police” force similar to NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission, which has safeguarded Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania’s airspace since 2004.
Unlike a full-scale no-fly zone, which would require round-the-clock patrolling, this mission would focus on deterrence and rapid response to potential threats.
The plan could see dozens of RAF Typhoon jets stationed in Poland, ready to intercept any unauthorized incursions into Ukrainian airspace. These aircraft would be heavily armed and operate as part of broader security guarantees for Ukraine. The move could also allow for a reduced ground presence of European peacekeepers while still ensuring compliance with any post-war settlement.
A senior RAF source confirmed that discussions are in the early stages but emphasized: “We are ready to do whatever we are told.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously stated that the country would need up to 100,000 European peacekeepers to prevent future Russian aggression.
However, The Washington Post reports that the European Union is likely to commit only 25,000–30,000 troops. Germany, Italy, and Poland have expressed doubts about the plan, while France has suggested deploying peacekeepers not on the front lines, but in rear areas to train Ukrainian forces and provide logistical support.
U.S. President Donald Trump has backed the idea of a European-led peacekeeping force but has ruled out sending American troops to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has rejected any NATO presence in Ukraine, warning that even European forces under non-NATO flags would be considered a provocation by Moscow.
