Britain's defence minister on Thursday urged his counterparts from around 30 countries to press ahead with plans to deploy troops to Ukraine to police any future peace agreement with Russia, as questions remained over whether the United States would provide backup.

Chairing the first defence ministers' meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, UK Defence Secretary John Healey said its members must ensure "that we’re fully prepared for the moment a peace agreement is reached.”

“We must be ready for when that peace comes. That’s why the work of this coalition is so vital," Healey said at Nato headquarters in Brussels. He added that 200 military planners have been developing plans to deepen European involvement in Ukraine.

In a post on social media, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said that “Ukraine is ready for peace - one that is just and backed by strength.”

Ukrainian government officials and military analysts have said that Russian forces are preparing to launch a fresh military offensive in Ukraine in the coming weeks to maximise pressure on Kyiv and strengthen the Kremlin’s negotiating position in ceasefire talks.

As usual with coalition gatherings, the United States did not take part. The success of the coalition’s operation hinges on US backup with airpower or other military assistance, but the Trump administration has made no public commitment to provide support.

The Netherlands, Sweden and Finland underlined the “crucial” role of the United States.

On Friday, representatives from around 50 nations will gather at Nato to drum up military support for Ukraine. That meeting will be chaired by Britain and Germany. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to join the meeting via video from Washington. (AP)