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 said.
After talks with Ukraine's allies in Paris, he stated that the UK and France would establish military hubs across Ukraine and build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment to deter future invasions.
The agreement also proposed that the US would take the lead in monitoring a ceasefire.
Russia has repeatedly warned that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be regarded as a legitimate target, but has not yet commented on the announcement.
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 the talks in Paris. Starmer highlighted that the declaration paves the way for the legal framework for British, French, and other partner forces to operate in Ukraine, securing its skies and seas, while regenerating its armed forces.
French President Emmanuel Macron remarked that allies made considerable progress with agreements on robust security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a peace deal. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged a huge step forward but emphasized that any endeavor should culminate in the termination of the war.
The remaining contentious issues primarily revolve around territory and security guarantees, as the negotiation table strives to cease hostilities effectively.
