UK and France Pledge to Deploy Troops Across Ukraine If Peace Deal Signed

Leaders from a roughly 35-country 'Coalition of the Willing' met in Paris and signed a declaration of intent that would allow UK and French forces to deploy on Ukrainian soil if a credible ceasefire or peace deal is reached.

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They also agreed to set up post-ceasefire military hubs and protected facilities to store equipment and help secure Ukraine's skies and seas.

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French president Emmanuel Macron called the statement 'legally and politically binding'.

UK leader Sir Keir Starmer and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky publicly backed the move, which organisers say aims to provide reassurance and rebuild Ukraine's defence capabilities after hostilities end.

The declaration envisages French and British forces establishing "military hubs" and protected facilities across Ukraine to store weapons and equipment.

These hubs would also provide coordination and help secure seas and skies after a ceasefire.

BBC

Downing Street said a legal framework will be created to enable those forces to operate.

The United States is reported to be set to lead a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism and to provide security guarantees for the multinational force.

Coalition members reaffirmed ongoing arms and tactical support to Ukraine.

Reports portray the United States as the principal organiser of monitoring and guarantees.

“6 January 2026 Ukraine’s European allies will send troops to the country if a "credible" ceasefire with Russia is reached, according to a declaration of intent signed in Paris on Tuesday”

belganewsagency.eu

US envoys said security protocols are nearly finished and that Washington will lead the ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism.

Several outlets described US backing as decisive.

US representatives on the delegation, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, called the meeting a milestone and said the US stood behind the package.

At least one report noted negotiators were also close to a 'robust' prosperity agreement to support post-conflict Ukraine.

Multiple outlets stress significant unresolved questions despite public declarations and political endorsements.

The thorny issue of territory remains open, and the detailed backstop guaranteeing a direct U.S. military response to future attacks has not been fully defined.

dailytelegraph.au

Several countries have signalled limits or refusals on troop deployments, leaving the plan conditional on further negotiation and legal arrangements.

Russia has signalled it would likely oppose foreign troops on Ukrainian soil, which the BBC says Moscow would view as a legitimate target.

Keir Starmer said the plan depends on Vladimir Putin being willing to compromise and warned that Russia is not currently showing that willingness.

“France's Emmanuel Macron said allies had agreed on "robust" security guarantees for Kyiv after an eventual ceasefire”

dw

Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the move as evidence of Euro-Atlantic unity and said the deal was near completion.

dw

Observers flagged items to watch next, including legal frameworks for foreign forces, the exact nature of US security guarantees, and how many and which countries will participate on the ground.

They also highlighted Russia's response as a key factor that will determine whether the Paris declaration moves from intent to enforceable reality.