British armed forces are set to be deployed on Ukrainian territory to oversee any future ceasefire agreement with Russia, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed.
The Paris Declaration and Security Guarantees
The landmark announcement was made during a joint press conference in Paris on January 6, 2026, where Sir Keir stood alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. The leaders unveiled what has been termed the 'Paris Declaration', a framework paving the way for a legal basis for French and UK military operations within Ukraine.
Downing Street later elaborated in a statement, confirming the declaration will enable forces to help secure Ukraine's skies and seas, and assist in building a modernised armed force. "The signing of the declaration paves the way for the legal framework to be established for French and UK forces to operate on Ukrainian soil," the statement read.
Plans for Military Hubs and Coalition Support
Sir Keir detailed that, following a ceasefire, the UK and France will establish 'military hubs' across Ukraine. These facilities will support the deployment of personnel and provide protected storage for weapons and equipment to meet Ukraine's ongoing defensive requirements.
"Alongside our plans for a co-ordination cell, post-ceasefire the UK and France will also establish 'military hubs' across Ukraine," the Prime Minister's office stated. The plans also involve a broader international coalition. The United States is poised to lead a 'ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism' with UK participation, and will provide crucial security guarantees, potentially including air defence, to the peacekeeping force assembled by a 'Coalition of the Willing'.
Conditions for Peace and Continued Pressure
Despite the preparatory work, Sir Keir emphasised that a lasting peace depends on Russian willingness to compromise. He noted that President Vladimir Putin is not currently "showing that he's ready for peace."
The UK leader vowed to maintain economic and diplomatic pressure on Moscow. "We will keep the pressure up on Russia, including further measures on oil tankers and shadow fleet operators funding Putin's war chest," he asserted. This dual strategy of preparing for peace while sustaining pressure underscores the complex and cautious path toward ending the conflict, with British soldiers poised to play a central role in monitoring the frontline should a deal be struck.
