UK, France Agree on Troop Deployment Plan for Ukraine Peace

The UK and France have signed a declaration of intent outlining plans to deploy troops in Ukraine if a peace deal is reached with Russia, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced after high-level talks with Ukraine’s allies in Paris.

The agreement would allow the two countries, along with partners, to establish military hubs across Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression. French President Emmanuel Macron later said that thousands of troops could potentially be deployed.

Leaders from the “Coalition of the Willing” broadly agreed on the need for robust security guarantees for Ukraine, with proposals that the United States would lead monitoring of any ceasefire.

Key Highlights

• UK and France sign intent to deploy troops in Ukraine after peace deal
• Allies agree on security guarantees, US-led ceasefire monitoring
• Territory and Russian response remain unresolved challenges

However, the critical issue of territorial settlement remains unresolved. Russia has repeatedly warned that any foreign troops stationed in Ukraine would be considered a “legitimate target”, though Moscow has not yet formally responded to the Paris announcements.

Russia currently occupies about 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, following President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion launched in February 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the Paris talks as a “huge step forward,” but stressed that progress would only be meaningful if it leads to an end to the war. He acknowledged that while the diplomatic milestone was significant, peace still depends on Russia’s cooperation.

US officials, including negotiator Steve Witkoff and special envoy Jared Kushner, emphasized the need for durable security guarantees and real backstops to prevent renewed conflict. While Zelensky has ruled out formally ceding territory, discussions continue over potential ceasefire lines and reciprocal troop withdrawals.

Also Read: UK Appoints Christian Turner as Ambassador to the United States

With winter warfare looming, pressure is mounting on all sides to compromise, even as Moscow remains publicly silent on the latest diplomatic efforts.