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.'
Starmer emphasized that the agreement paves the way for a legal framework under which British, French, and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil, emphasizing the importance of securing Ukraine's skies and seas and regenerating its armed forces for future challenges.
Top US negotiator Steve Witkoff remarked that 'durable security guarantees and robust prosperity commitments are essential to a lasting peace' in Ukraine, addressing key demands from Kyiv. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that considerable progress had been made at the talks in ensuring robust security guarantees for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed that a 'huge step forward' had been made but asserted that efforts would only be deemed satisfactory if they result in the cessation of hostilities.
The potential deployment of troops represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing negotiations and geopolitical dynamics surrounding the conflict in Ukraine.}
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.'
Starmer emphasized that the agreement paves the way for a legal framework under which British, French, and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil, emphasizing the importance of securing Ukraine's skies and seas and regenerating its armed forces for future challenges.
Top US negotiator Steve Witkoff remarked that 'durable security guarantees and robust prosperity commitments are essential to a lasting peace' in Ukraine, addressing key demands from Kyiv. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that considerable progress had been made at the talks in ensuring robust security guarantees for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed that a 'huge step forward' had been made but asserted that efforts would only be deemed satisfactory if they result in the cessation of hostilities.
The potential deployment of troops represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing negotiations and geopolitical dynamics surrounding the conflict in Ukraine.}
