Up to 20 countries could join Britain and France in a European peacekeeping force if one were deployed to Ukraine in a post-war settlement. British officials have refused to reveal the exact countries joining the much-anticipated coalition but the group reportedly consists "largely of European and commonwealth partners".

       Several governments have publicly backed Sir Keir Starmer's plan to put boots on the ground in Ukraine. Emmanual Macron has also thrown his weigh behind a European peacekeeping force. The Prime Mininster and French President have called for a "coalition of the willing" to protect Ukraine once a deal is reached to end Russia's war. Australia, Ireland, Luxembourg, Belgium and Turkey have all suggested they would be prepared to offer their soldiers. Denmark, Sweden, and Canada have not ruled out involvement.

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       Some European governments appear more scepitcal but are still keen to play some kind of peacekeeping role.

       Poland, for example, has said it wants commitments to ramping up NATO's eastern flank before committing troops.

       Italy has the largest military in Europe, with around 338,000 troops. France is next with an estimated 304,000. Spain has around 199,000 soldiers, making it Europe's third-largest military, while Poland and Germany are fourth and fifth-largest, respectively.

       Defence leaders from the nations are expected to meet in Paris next week for a fresh round of talks.

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       It comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly discussed the strategy with Macron at a meeting with EU leaders on Thursday.

       He stressed the "need for new, substantial steps" after the US paused weapons shipments following Zelensky's explosive publicly broadcast row with Donald Trump in the Oval Office.

       Zelensky added: "We have an absolutely clear shared vision that real and lasting peace is possible through co-operation between Ukraine, all of Europe, and the United States."

       Last Sunday, Sir Keir urged leaders to step up at a "once in a generation moment" for security in Europe as he unvieled a four-point plan for peace in Ukraine after meeting with counterparts at a summit.

       The Prime Minister announced it had been agreed "a group" will work "with Ukraine on a plan to stop the the fighting and then discuss that with the US and take it forward together".

       He said: "Every nation must contribute to that in the best way that it can, bringing different capabilities and support to the table, but all taking responsibility to act, all stepping up their own share of the burden. So we agreed some important steps today.

       "First, we will keep the military aid flowing and keep increasing the economic pressure on Russia to strengthen Ukraine now.

       "Second, we agreed that any lasting peace must ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, and Ukraine must be at the table. Third, in the event of a peace deal, we will keep boosting Ukraine’s own defensive capabilities to deter any future invasion.

       "Fourth, we will go further to develop a coalition of the willing to defend a deal in Ukraine and to guarantee the peace. Not every nation will feel able to contribute but that can’t mean that we sit back.

       "Instead, those willing will intensify planning now with real urgency, the UK is prepared to back this with boots on the ground and planes in the air, together with others. Europe must do the heavy lifting."