STORY
The UK and France have signed a “declaration of intent” on deploying forces to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal, after Prime Minister Keir Starmer met European and American allies alongside President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris. Starmer said the Coalition of the Willing is focused on helping to deliver “a peace that can last” and working with the United States to guarantee Ukraine’s long-term security.
Downing Street said the declaration would pave the way for a legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil, including securing Ukraine’s skies and seas and supporting the future regeneration of Ukraine’s armed forces. Starmer said that following a ceasefire the UK and France would establish “military hubs” across Ukraine and build protected facilities for weapons and equipment to support Ukraine’s defensive needs.
Starmer also said coalition partners had agreed further steps including participating in US-led monitoring and verification of any ceasefire, supporting the long-term provision of armaments for Ukraine’s defence and working towards binding commitments to support Ukraine in the event of a future armed attack by Russia. He said a peace deal would require compromises from Vladimir Putin, arguing Russia was “not showing that he is ready for peace”, and pledged further support for Ukraine’s defence in 2026 alongside additional measures targeting oil traders and “shadow fleet” operators that the UK says help fund Russia’s war effort.