The UK and France have signed a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal is made with Russia, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced.
After talks with Ukraine's allies in Paris, he said the UK and France would establish military hubs across Ukraine to deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron later said thousands of troops may be deployed.
Allies also largely agreed on robust security guarantees for Ukraine and proposed that the US would take the lead in monitoring a truce. But the key issue of territory is still being discussed.
Russia has repeatedly warned that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be a legitimate target. Moscow has not yet commented on the announcements made in the French capital.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory. Heads of state and top officials from the Coalition of the Willing took part in Tuesday's talks in Paris.
Speaking at a joint press conference after the meeting, Starmer said: We signed a declaration of intent on the deployment of forces to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal. This is a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term. Starmer added that this framework would help secure Ukraine's skies and seas while regenerating its armed forces for the future.
Top US negotiator Steve Witkoff emphasized essential durable security guarantees and emphasized that Ukrainians need to know their future is secure against potential aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed cautious optimism, stating that progress has been made but that more needs to be done to guarantee lasting peace.
Despite the positive developments, Zelensky highlighted that the milestone does not guarantee peace, as major issues remain unresolved, particularly regarding territorial agreements. Both sides are under pressure to make compromises, raising hopes for an end to the ongoing conflict.
