UK, France move to deploy troops in Ukraine under post-war security plan

The United Kingdom and France have agreed in principle to send troops into Ukraine if a peace agreement with Russia is reached, marking a significant shift in how Europe plans to secure Ukraine after the war.

The announcement came after high-level talks in Paris among Ukraine’s allies, with leaders signalling that long-term security guarantees are now being designed, not just debated.

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A new military framework for post-war Ukraine

At a joint press conference, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that London and Paris had signed a declaration of intent to deploy forces in Ukraine if hostilities end.

He said the agreement would allow British, French and partner troops to operate on Ukrainian soil to secure airspace and sea routes and to help rebuild Ukraine’s armed forces.

French President Emmanuel Macron later stated that “thousands of troops” could be deployed under the plan, with military hubs established across Ukraine to deter any future invasion.

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US role in monitoring a ceasefire

Allied leaders also discussed how a potential truce would be verified.

According to US negotiator Steve Witkoff, the coalition has largely agreed on security protocols, with the United States expected to take the lead in monitoring compliance if a ceasefire is reached.

Witkoff said durable guarantees were essential so Ukrainians could be confident that “when this war ends, it ends for good.” US envoy Jared Kushner added that Ukraine would need “real backstops” to prevent renewed conflict.

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Ukraine: progress, but no guarantees yet

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the Paris talks a “huge step forward”, but warned that peace would only be meaningful if it actually ended the war.

He acknowledged the diplomatic milestone but said outcomes would depend on Russia’s response, which remains uncertain.

So far, Moscow has not commented on the declaration. The Kremlin has repeatedly warned that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets.

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The unresolved question: territory

While allies agreed on the need for strong security guarantees, territorial issues remain unsettled.

Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including most of the Donbas region. President Vladimir Putin has demanded that Ukrainian forces withdraw from all eastern territories claimed by Moscow, rejecting compromise.

Zelensky has refused to cede land, though he has suggested that mutual troop withdrawals could be discussed if Russia does the same.

European diplomats acknowledged that where a future ceasefire line would run and what land Ukraine might have to concede remain the hardest questions in negotiations.

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Why this matters now

This move signals that Europe is preparing for a long-term security role in Ukraine, rather than leaving enforcement solely to diplomacy or sanctions.

For public safety, it could deter renewed attacks.
For governance, it introduces foreign military coordination on Ukrainian soil.
For the economy and reconstruction, it could stabilise conditions needed for rebuilding.
For international relations, it raises tensions with Russia, while reinforcing alignment between Europe and Washington.

With winter conditions and continued strikes across Ukrainian cities, leaders are under growing pressure to find a path to end a conflict that has reshaped Europe’s security order.