The United Kingdom and France intend to deploy troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement with Russia, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced.
The corresponding agreement was signed at a “coalition of the willing” summit in Paris by Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to the BBC.
U.S. presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were also present and signed the Paris Declaration, which outlines security guarantees for Ukraine.
The allies agreed in principle on providing credible security guarantees and proposed that the U.S. lead a potential ceasefire monitoring mission. However, the key territorial issues remain unresolved.
Russia has repeatedly stated it would never accept the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine, considering it a threat to its national security.
During a joint press conference, Starmer stated: “We have signed a declaration of intent to deploy forces in Ukraine in the event of peace. This is a core part of our long-term commitment to stand with Ukraine.
It establishes the legal framework under which British, French, and partner forces can operate in Ukrainian territory, ensuring its skies and seas are protected and contributing to the future transformation of Ukraine’s armed forces.”
Starmer added that the UK would take part in monitoring a potential ceasefire under U.S. leadership.
Steve Witkoff emphasized the importance of “security guarantees and credible commitments for lasting peace” in Ukraine, highlighting Kyiv’s main demand.
U.S. envoy Jared Kushner added that after the agreement, Ukrainians must know there are “real guarantees that the war won’t restart.”
Macron said Ukraine’s allies had made progress during the talks in Paris.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that a major step forward was taken in Paris, though the war still needs to end.
Earlier, Zelensky said the peace agreement was 90% complete. The remaining 10% would determine the future of peace, Ukraine, and Europe. Territories and security guarantees remain the central unresolved issues in negotiations.
