In a landmark move, the United Kingdom and France have formally pledged to deploy military forces to Ukraine should a peace deal with Russia be secured. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the declaration, which for the first time has received explicit backing from the United States under President Donald Trump.
Historic Security Guarantee Signed in Paris
The commitment was solidified during a high-stakes summit at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Tuesday, involving the Coalition of the Willing – a group of Ukraine's key allies. Following hours of negotiations, Sir Keir Starmer revealed that the UK and France would "create military hubs in Ukraine" in the event of a ceasefire. This unprecedented pledge is designed to act as a powerful deterrent against future Russian aggression and to defend Ukraine if attacks resume.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff, representing President Trump, stated unequivocally that the American leader "strongly stands behind the security protocols." Witkoff elaborated that the measures are intended to both deter and defend against any further assaults, asserting, "They are as strong as anyone has ever seen." He confirmed that proposals for the post-war security framework are now "largely finished."
Broad Coalition Support and German Stance
The Paris declaration, according to the Elysee, includes several key promises from coalition nations. These encompass participation in a US-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism, continued military support for Ukraine, and "binding commitments" to aid Kyiv if faced with future armed attacks. The agreement also signifies a long-term plan to deepen defence ties.
While the UK and France have committed to putting "boots on the ground" inside Ukraine post-conflict, other allies are considering different roles. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated that Germany could deploy troops to countries neighbouring Ukraine on NATO territory following a ceasefire, stating, "We basically rule nothing out." The broader coalition has also pledged comprehensive air, land, and sea support to back up Ukrainian front-line forces, though specific troop numbers remain undisclosed.
Path to a Lasting Peace
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the agreement, stating that "Ukraine has united Europe and America." He emphasised the effectiveness of Euro-Atlantic unity in a social media post following the announcement. During the talks, US and Ukrainian officials also discussed the contentious issue of territory as part of the broader effort to end the war.
Jared Kushner, former senior adviser to President Trump, described the security guarantee as a "really important building block towards an eventual peace deal," advocating for a "peace through strength" model to prevent future conflict. Despite the progress, Prime Minister Starmer struck a note of caution, warning that "the hardest yards are still ahead" in the complex journey towards a sustainable resolution.
