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What It Means for Europe, Russia, and Global Security
The United Kingdom and France have taken a historic step in shaping the future
security architecture of Europe by agreeing to deploy troops to Ukraine if a peace
deal with Russia is reached. The announcement, made by UK Prime Minister Sir
Keir Starmer following high-level talks in Paris, marks one of the most concrete
commitments yet by European powers to guarantee Ukraine’s long-term security
after nearly four years of devastating war.
The move signals a new phase in diplomatic and military planning, as Western
allies seek to prevent another Russian invasion while balancing the risks of
escalation. With robust security guarantees, a proposed multinational force, and a
potential U.S.-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism, the outlines of a post-war
Ukraine are beginning to take shape — though many critical issues remain
unresolved.
A Declaration of Intent with Major Consequences
At the heart of the Paris summit was a declaration of intent signed by the UK and
France, outlining plans to deploy multinational forces to Ukraine in the event of a
ceasefire and peace agreement with Moscow. According to Starmer, the agreement
establishes a legal framework that would allow British, French, and partner forces
to operate on Ukrainian soil.
“These forces would help secure Ukraine’s skies and seas, deter future aggression,
and support the regeneration of Ukraine’s armed forces,” Starmer said during a
joint press conference. He described the declaration as a vital part of Europe’s
long-term commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and stability.
French President Emmanuel Macron went further, stating that several thousand
French troops could be deployed as part of a European-led force. He emphasized
that these troops would not be engaged in active combat but would instead serve
as a “force of reassurance”, designed to deter renewed Russian attacks.
Military Hubs and Multinational Presence
One of the most significant aspects of the plan is the proposal to establish military
hubs across Ukraine. These hubs would include protected facilities for weapons
storage, logistics, training, and coordination, strengthening Ukraine’s defensive
capabilities while embedding European support directly on the ground.
The proposed Multinational Force for Ukraine would not be limited to France and
the UK. Leaders from more than two dozen countries — the so-called “Coalition of
the Willing” — participated in the Paris talks. While not all nations are prepared to
send troops, several have pledged different forms of support.
Germany, for example, indicated it could deploy forces to neighboring NATO
countries to assist with monitoring a ceasefire. Belgium said it could contribute
naval and air force capabilities, while limiting its land involvement to training
Ukrainian troops. Other countries, including Croatia and the Czech Republic, ruled
out troop deployments but reaffirmed support for reconstruction and economic
assistance.
The Role of the United States: Backstop Without Boots?
A key outcome of the summit was broad agreement that the United States would
take the lead in monitoring any ceasefire, though without deploying U.S. troops
inside Ukraine. Instead, officials suggested the use of drones, satellites, and
advanced sensors to verify compliance with a truce.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said that allies had “largely finished” work on security
protocols designed to ensure the war ends permanently. He stressed that durable
security guarantees and prosperity commitments are essential for a lasting peace.
“These protocols are meant to deter any further attacks,” Witkoff said. “And if there
are attacks, they are meant to defend. They are as strong as anyone has ever seen.”
Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s special envoy and son-in-law, echoed
that message, emphasizing the need for “real backstops” to ensure Ukraine is
never invaded again. While the final joint statement stopped short of explicitly
committing U.S. military support to a European force, European leaders viewed
Washington’s involvement as a critical endorsement.
Zelensky: A Milestone, But Not Peace Yet
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the Paris agreements as a
“huge step forward” and a clear signal that Europe and its allies are serious about
Ukraine’s security. Writing on Telegram, he said the agreements showed how
committed the coalition is to building real, lasting security.
However, Zelensky was careful to temper expectations. “This does not yet mean
peace,” he said, noting that real progress still depends on Russia’s willingness to
compromise. Moscow has remained largely silent on the latest diplomatic push,
raising doubts about how close a deal truly is.
Zelensky also acknowledged that the most difficult issues — particularly territory
and security guarantees — remain unresolved. While he has ruled out formally
ceding Ukrainian land, he has suggested that troop withdrawals could be
negotiated if Russia does the same.
The Territorial Question: The Hardest 10%
Despite reports that a peace deal may be “90% ready,” the remaining 10% could
determine the fate of Ukraine and Europe for decades. Russia currently occupies
large portions of eastern Ukraine, including around 75% of Donetsk and nearly all
of Luhansk, the industrial heart of the Donbas region.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly demanded that Ukrainian forces
withdraw from the entire Donbas, rejecting compromise. For many Ukrainians,
surrendering territory remains deeply unpopular, especially as Russian strikes on
cities and infrastructure continue daily.
As winter conditions worsen and battlefield losses mount, Zelensky faces immense
pressure to weigh the costs of continued war against the risks of an imperfect
peace.
Russia’s Red Lines and Rising Tensions
The Kremlin has consistently warned that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be
considered a “legitimate target.” Russia has also ruled out accepting NATO
member forces on Ukrainian soil after any peace deal, making the UK-France
proposal a potential flashpoint.
Putin is known to oppose a European-led international force in disputed areas and
may be reluctant to halt Russia’s slow territorial advances unless his war
objectives are met. The pledge by Britain and France to deploy troops, while
intended as a deterrent, could complicate negotiations and harden Moscow’s
stance.
Still, diplomats say pressure is growing on all sides to end a war that has drained
resources, destabilized Europe, and reshaped global geopolitics.
From Military Aid to Legally Binding Guarantees
A notable shift from previous summits is the focus on legally binding security
guarantees, rather than open-ended military aid. European leaders are now
discussing formal commitments that would require action — potentially including
military, intelligence, logistical, and economic measures — if Ukraine is attacked
again.
Such guarantees could trigger intense political debate in many European
countries, where public support for deeper military involvement varies.
Nevertheless, leaders including Macron, Starmer, Poland’s Donald Tusk, and Italy’s
Giorgia Meloni stressed that unity between Europe and the United States has been
strengthened.
Starmer acknowledged that “the hardest yards are still ahead,” but insisted that
building practical foundations for peace is essential. “We can only get to a peace
deal if Putin is ready to make compromises,” he said. “And at the moment, he is
not showing that readiness.”
What Comes Next?
Talks are expected to continue, with Ukrainian and U.S. delegations meeting to
refine details on monitoring, financing, and support for Ukraine’s armed forces.
While optimism is cautious, momentum has clearly accelerated since November.
For Ukraine, the promise of American monitoring, European troops on the ground,
and long-term security guarantees could help convince a war-weary population
that peace is worth pursuing. For Europe, the plan represents a bold attempt to
take greater responsibility for its own security.
Yet without Russia’s agreement, no framework — however robust — can bring the
war to an end.
A Defining Moment for Europe
The agreement by the UK and France to send troops to Ukraine if a peace deal is
reached marks a defining moment in the conflict and in Europe’s post-Cold War
security order. It reflects a growing determination among European leaders to
ensure that any peace is not merely a pause in fighting, but a durable settlement
backed by real deterrence.
Whether this initiative becomes the foundation of lasting peace or another
obstacle in complex negotiations will depend on the coming months — and on
whether Moscow is willing to compromise. For now, the message from Paris is clear:
Europe is preparing not just for peace, but for the responsibility of defending it.
