In a landmark move for European security, Britain and France have signed a historic pact committing to deploy troops inside Ukraine following any future ceasefire with Russia.
The Paris Declaration: A New Security Guarantee
The agreement, dubbed the "Paris Declaration", was signed on Wednesday 07 January 2026 at a summit in the French capital. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky put their names to the document, which pledges a "Multinational Force for Ukraine" led by European allies.
Sir Keir Starmer stated the force would act as a "reassurance force" to bolster security guarantees, support Ukraine's stability, and help regenerate its own armed forces. He detailed plans for "military hubs" across Ukraine to facilitate deployment and protect equipment.
Trump's Crucial Backing and European Leadership
A critical factor enabling the deal was the presence and support of the United States. Donald Trump's son-in-law and envoy, Jared Kushner, attended the summit, confirming that President Trump "strongly, strongly, strongly" supports the security guarantees and would provide necessary backup.
President Macron noted the agreement fulfilled Mr. Trump's wishes for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defence. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also indicated Germany could soon join the initiative.
However, the breakthrough occurred against a tense diplomatic backdrop. Just hours earlier, the White House had reaffirmed President Trump's claim to Greenland, a sovereign territory of NATO ally Denmark, causing significant concern among European leaders.
Implications for Peace and NATO's Future
The coalition agreement represents a significant step towards a potential peace plan but may also delay a ceasefire. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly opposed any foreign military presence in Ukraine after hostilities end.
Analysts suggest the pact signals Europe preparing for a potential "NATO-minus-the-US" world. Former NATO deputy secretary-general Rose Gottemoeller called the Greenland issue and the Ukraine deal a "short, sharp shock" for European allies, accelerating moves towards strategic autonomy.
While President Zelensky welcomed the deal and American support, he cautioned that the agreements "do not go far enough yet". The pact includes binding commitments to support Ukraine against any future Russian attack and proposes a US-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism.
