UK and France Commit to Troop Deployment in Ukraine Following Peace Agreement

Thu Jan 08 2026 09:03:04 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant development, the UK and France have signed a declaration of intent to deploy troops to Ukraine, contingent upon a peace deal with Russia. This move is aimed at bolstering Ukraine's military capabilities and ensuring long-term security.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that the UK and France have made plans to send troops to Ukraine if peace negotiations with Russia reach a successful conclusion. The declaration, made during talks in Paris, includes establishing military hubs and facilitating US-led monitoring efforts. The agreement comes as opposition from Russia regarding foreign troop presence remains strong.

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 said.

After talks with Ukraine's allies in Paris, he said the UK and France would establish military hubs across Ukraine and build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment to deter future invasion.

The agreement also proposed that the US would take the lead in monitoring a ceasefire.

Russia has repeatedly warned that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be a legitimate target, but has not yet commented on the announcement.

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 the French capital.

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.

It paves the way for the legal framework under which British, French, and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the future, the UK prime minister added.

Top US negotiator Steve Witkoff emphasized the necessity of ensuring durable security guarantees and robust prosperity commitments for lasting peace, a key demand of Kyiv.

Additionally, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that allies made considerable progress during the talks, agreeing on robust security guarantees for Ukraine should a ceasefire be reached.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned a huge step forward was made in Paris, although he insists that efforts must culminate in a lasting end to the conflict.

Recent discussions also spotlighted critical unresolved issues regarding territory and security guarantees, reflecting the ongoing complexity of the peace process.