British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK and France are prepared to deploy troops to Ukraine following any ceasefire agreement with Russia, marking a significant step towards post-war security guarantees.
Speaking after a summit of the “Coalition of the Willing” in Paris on 6 January, Starmer revealed that he, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had signed a trilateral Declaration of Intent. The document establishes a legal framework for British, French, and partner forces to operate on Ukrainian soil as part of a multinational “reassurance force”.
“Following a ceasefire, the UK and France will establish military hubs across Ukraine and build protected facilities for weapons,” Starmer said. The force aims to deter future Russian aggression, verify ceasefire compliance, and support Ukraine’s long-term defence, with reported backing from the United States.
The agreement, described by Macron as providing “robust” security guarantees, comes amid ongoing efforts to bolster Kyiv’s position in potential peace negotiations. Zelenskyy hailed the declaration as “substantive”, noting detailed military planning on deployment and capabilities.
The move has drawn attention as Europe seeks to reassure Ukraine without full NATO membership, while Russia has previously opposed foreign troops on Ukrainian territory.