The UK and France have signed a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal is made with Russia, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced.
After talks with Ukraine's allies in Paris, he said the UK and France would establish military hubs across Ukraine to deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron later said thousands of troops may be deployed.
Allies also largely agreed on robust security guarantees for Ukraine and proposed that the US would take the lead in monitoring a truce. However, the key issue of territory is still being discussed.
Russia has repeatedly warned that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be a legitimate target.
Moscow has not yet commented on the announcements made in the French capital.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Heads of state and top officials from the Coalition of the Willing took part in Tuesday's talks in Paris.
Speaking at a joint press conference after the meeting, Starmer said: We signed a declaration of intent on the deployment of forces to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal.
This is a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term.
It paves the way for the legal framework under which British, French, and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the future.
The UK prime minister added London would participate in any US-led verification of a potential ceasefire.
Top US negotiator Steve Witkoff said durable security guarantees and robust prosperity commitments are essential to a lasting peace in Ukraine, referring to a key demand made by Kyiv.
Meanwhile, President Macron noted that Ukraine's allies had made considerable progress at the talks, ensuring robust security guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a potential ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described a huge step forward had been made in Paris, but expressed he would only consider efforts to be enough if they resulted in the end of the war.
What Ukraine calls security guarantees and what American officials have described as security protocols may leave some wiggle room for Trump in the event of coming to Kyiv's defense after future Russian attacks.
However, Zelensky emphasized that real progress still hinges on Russia's cooperation, as negotiations surrounding territory remain sensitive and fraught with challenges. The calls for compromise are becoming increasingly urgent amid the ongoing conflict.
