London and Paris sign declaration outlining a “coalition of the willing” force to provide security guarantees for Kyiv if hostilities with Russia halt.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The leaders of the United Kingdom and France on Tuesday signed a declaration of intent committing to deploy multinational troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia, laying the groundwork for what they described as a long-term security guarantee for Kyiv.
The declaration was signed in Paris following meetings involving U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, European leaders, and senior Ukrainian officials. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed that a so-called “coalition of the willing” would send forces into Ukraine to help enforce a potential ceasefire and stabilize the country.
According to reporting by The Times of London, the agreement specifies that while the United Kingdom and France are the only nations currently committing troops on the ground, the United States would serve as a backstop force if coalition troops were attacked. The arrangement also envisions the U.S. playing a central role in monitoring compliance with any ceasefire.
As part of the framework, the UK and France also agreed to establish military hubs inside Ukraine to safeguard weapons and other military equipment intended for defensive use. These hubs would support the protection of Ukrainian skies and seas and assist in rebuilding Ukraine’s armed forces.
Speaking after the signing, Starmer said the declaration formalizes plans for allied forces to operate on Ukrainian soil following a peace deal. He described the agreement as a critical element of Britain’s long-term commitment to Ukraine, adding that it paves the way for a legal framework allowing British, French, and partner forces to secure Ukraine’s airspace and maritime approaches while helping regenerate its military capabilities.
Macron characterized the agreement as a “robust” security guarantee, saying that “thousands” of troops could ultimately be deployed as part of the effort, according to reporting by Le Figaro. He said the plan builds on months of work and includes ceasefire monitoring mechanisms that would be placed under American leadership, with contributions from multiple partner states.
While details about the participation of other countries remain unclear, several European leaders moved quickly to clarify their positions. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated that Italy would not send troops to Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin would continue providing political, financial, and military support but would not deploy soldiers inside Ukraine, though he left open the possibility of German forces being stationed in NATO countries bordering Ukraine after a ceasefire.
Zelensky welcomed the agreement in a statement posted on X, saying military officials from Ukraine, France, and the United Kingdom had already worked through detailed plans covering force deployment, troop numbers, weapons, and operational components. He said participating countries now understand what each is prepared to contribute and thanked those willing to take part in what he described as a path toward a peaceful resolution.
Zelensky also said discussions with U.S. officials focused heavily on monitoring and deterrence to prevent renewed Russian aggression, adding that Washington had expressed readiness to play a role in ensuring compliance with any peace agreement.
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker called the emerging security guarantees a positive step, telling Fox News that the framework could help move negotiations with Russia into a final phase. Whitaker said the effort reflects both continued hopes for peace and preparations to sustain it if an agreement is reached, calling the prospect of an end to the nearly four-year war potentially historic.
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