Britain and France have declared they are prepared to deploy troops to Ukraine following any future peace deal, marking one of the strongest security commitments by European powers since Russia’s full-scale invasion began. The announcement follows high-level talks in Paris and underscores the UK’s growing role in shaping post-war security arrangements for Ukraine, even as Russia signals fierce opposition.
The declaration was made after a summit hosted by French president Emmanuel Macron, attended by more than two dozen leaders from countries backing Ukraine. The UK prime minister Keir Starmer, Macron and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a trilateral declaration of intent late on Tuesday, committing Britain and France to help guarantee Ukraine’s security after a ceasefire.
Starmer said that, following any cessation of hostilities, the UK and France would establish military hubs across Ukraine to support stability and reassurance. He stressed the move was about safeguarding peace rather than preparing for renewed combat.
Role of the Proposed Force
French and British officials clarified that any deployment would not be a frontline fighting force. Macron said troops would be stationed far behind the contact line and would not engage Russian forces if Moscow resumed hostilities. Instead, the mission would focus on reassurance, logistics and long-term support for Ukraine’s armed forces.
No details were given on the size or precise mandate of the force, although discussions included ceasefire monitoring under US leadership and continued military assistance to Kyiv.
US Backing and Security Guarantees
The talks were attended by US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, representing Washington amid shifting US diplomatic priorities. Witkoff said the security guarantees being discussed were intended to deter further Russian aggression and insisted the United States stood firmly behind Ukraine.
Questions were raised about the reliability of US commitments, particularly as President Donald Trump has recently clashed with European allies on other foreign policy issues. Witkoff sought to reassure leaders that any agreed framework would be robust enough to discourage renewed attacks.
Peace Talks and Territorial Disputes
Alongside the summit, US and Ukrainian negotiators continued efforts to finalise a bilateral peace framework that could later be presented to Moscow. Zelenskyy said territorial concessions remained the most difficult issue, adding that he was prepared to speak directly with Trump if talks stalled.
Witkoff acknowledged that territory would be the most contentious part of any agreement, with compromises likely required if a deal were to be reached.
Russian Opposition and Nato Tensions
Russia has repeatedly rejected the idea of Nato forces operating on Ukrainian soil and has shown little sign of readiness for a ceasefire. Kremlin officials continue to argue that any settlement must address what they describe as the “root causes” of the conflict, while ruling out interim deals.
Starmer acknowledged the challenge, saying peace was closer than at any previous point but warning that progress depended on Moscow’s willingness to compromise. He said President Vladimir Putin was not currently demonstrating a genuine desire for peace.
Divisions Among European Allies
The Paris summit brought together 27 heads of state or government, highlighting broad diplomatic backing for Ukraine. However, unity on troop deployments remains limited. Italy and Poland said they would not send forces to Ukraine, while Germany indicated it could contribute troops only if they were based in neighbouring countries rather than inside Ukraine itself.
Zelenskyy has previously warned that the credibility of any “coalition of the willing” depends on whether key nations are prepared to commit forces, intelligence and long-term military support. He said British and French leadership would be central to making any security guarantees meaningful.
