About 20 countries have expressed themselves ready to help Ukraine

Some British officials stated that a meeting was called yesterday to negotiate security guarantees after any peaceful agreement, the BBC writes.

It is not known whether any of the countries, which are mainly from Europe and Commonwealth, will necessarily send troops, but some may offer additional support.

Officials said they were in early stages, but welcomed what they described as a highly positive “step”.

European leaders have gathered in Brussels on Thursday for a summit at which Ukraine will be discussed.