The United Kingdom and France have formally agreed to deploy troops to Ukraine only if a ceasefire and peace agreement with Russia is reached, marking the most significant Western commitment yet to Kyiv’s long‑term security. The pledge was announced in Paris following a high‑level meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, attended by leaders from more than 30 nations, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and senior representatives of the United States.
Under the newly signed Declaration of Intent, British and French forces would establish “military hubs” across Ukraine to help secure any peace deal, deter renewed Russian aggression, and support the rebuilding of Ukraine’s armed forces. The hubs would house protected facilities for weapons and equipment and provide a framework for multinational peacekeeping operations. The United States has signalled strong support, with officials confirming Washington would lead a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism and provide security guarantees to the peacekeeping force.
Prime Minister Starmer described the agreement as a “milestone” that lays the legal groundwork for Western troops to operate on Ukrainian soil once hostilities cease. He emphasised that the deployment would occur only after a verified ceasefire, and that the goal is to ensure “a peace that can last” while reinforcing Ukraine’s sovereignty and defensive capacity.
The Paris summit also highlighted broader geopolitical tensions. Despite recent US actions in Venezuela and renewed disputes over Greenland, American envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff publicly affirmed President Donald Trump’s backing for the Ukraine security plan, calling the agreement a “real milestone” in efforts to end the nearly four‑year war.
Russia has repeatedly rejected the idea of foreign troops in Ukraine, warning that any Western military presence would be considered a “legitimate target.” There was no immediate response from Moscow following the announcement, though analysts note that the Kremlin’s stance remains a major obstacle to any future settlement.
European leaders at the summit—including those from Germany, Italy, and Poland—framed the agreement as a demonstration of renewed transatlantic unity. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he was “absolutely convinced” that the security guarantees, if implemented, would prevent future Russian attacks on Ukraine.
While the declaration marks a major diplomatic breakthrough, leaders cautioned that peace remains distant. Starmer noted that Russia’s recent strikes on Ukrainian cities show “no sign” that President Vladimir Putin is ready to compromise, warning that “the hardest yards are still ahead”.