Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared that the United Kingdom and France are prepared to deploy military personnel to Ukraine in the wake of a future peace agreement with Russia.
Announcement Follows Paris Summit
The significant statement was made on Tuesday, following a high-level meeting in Paris. Starmer convened with fellow leaders from the so-called 'Coalition of the Willing', a group of European nations steadfast in their support for Kyiv.
This gathering, which included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron, focused on reinforcing long-term security commitments to Ukraine beyond the immediate conflict.
Details of the Proposed Military Presence
While specific operational details remain under discussion, the core proposal involves the establishment of permanent military training hubs on Ukrainian soil. These facilities would be jointly operated by British and French forces.
The strategic move is designed not to escalate current hostilities but to act as a cornerstone of future stability. The presence of NATO-aligned troops is seen as a critical deterrent against any future Russian aggression, effectively underwriting the security guarantees of a potential peace deal.
'Our support for Ukraine is unwavering, not just for today, but for the long term,' Starmer indicated, framing the plan as part of a durable European security architecture.
Implications for European Security
This announcement marks a substantial evolution in Western military support, shifting from supplying equipment and remote training to a planned, in-country presence post-conflict. It signals a profound and enduring commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty.
The proposal is likely to be a central topic in ongoing diplomatic engagements with Moscow, whenever serious peace negotiations commence. It also underscores the deepening defence partnership between the UK and France as key European powers.
Analysts suggest such a move would require meticulous planning and robust legal frameworks to operate within the boundaries of any future peace treaty, ensuring it acts as a stabilising force rather than a provocation.
