UK and France Plan Troop Deployment to Ukraine Under Peace Agreement

Thu Jan 08 2026 06:58:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant move towards stabilizing Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict, the UK and France have signed an agreement to deploy troops if a peace deal is reached with Russia. The announcement comes amid aspirations for a robust security framework to bolster Ukraine's defenses.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a declaration of intent between the UK and France to send troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement with Russia. Following discussions in Paris, Starmer emphasized the establishment of military hubs in Ukraine to strengthen defense capabilities. The agreement includes a lead role for the US in monitoring ceasefire arrangements. Russian reactions remain cautious, with warnings issued against foreign troop presence. Both Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron voiced commitment to ensuring long-term security for Ukraine.

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, he added.

The UK Prime Minister remarked that London would actively engage in any US-led verification of a potential ceasefire.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism regarding the progress made but stressed that any solutions must culminate in the cessation of hostilities.

The discussion of territorial disputes and security guarantees remains a pivotal challenge in ongoing negotiations, as both sides seek a mutually agreeable resolution to end the conflict.