Britain and France have declared their readiness to deploy troops to Ukraine following any future peace agreement, marking one of the most significant European security commitments since Russia’s full-scale invasion began. The pledge, announced after a high-level summit in Paris, underscores a growing determination among key European allies to shape the post-war security order in Ukraine—while also exposing deep uncertainty over Russia’s willingness to accept such a plan.
The announcement followed hours of talks hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and attended by more than two dozen leaders from the so-called “coalition of the willing,” a grouping of states aligned in support of Kyiv. The meeting also included senior US representation, with presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, attending on Washington’s behalf.
At the close of the summit, Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a trilateral declaration of intent that they said would lay the groundwork for a limited but symbolically powerful deployment of French and British forces on Ukrainian soil once a ceasefire is in place. Starmer said the two countries would establish military hubs across Ukraine aimed at stabilisation and reassurance rather than combat operations.
Macron was careful to stress that the proposed force would not be positioned along the active frontlines. Instead, he said, troops would be stationed “a long way behind the contact line” and would focus on deterring renewed aggression and supporting the implementation of a ceasefire. He added that the coalition was also working on plans for ceasefire monitoring “under American leadership,” alongside long-term assistance to Ukraine’s armed forces, which would remain the country’s primary line of defence.
Despite the bold rhetoric, key details remain unresolved. No figures were given for the number of troops that might be deployed, the duration of their presence, or the precise legal framework governing their mission. European officials privately acknowledge that any deployment would be highly sensitive and dependent on conditions on the ground, including Russian consent—something that currently appears unlikely.
Moscow has repeatedly warned that it would view the presence of Nato troops in Ukraine as unacceptable, regardless of whether they are described as peacekeepers or reassurance forces. Russian officials have also dismissed the idea of a temporary ceasefire, insisting instead on a comprehensive settlement that addresses what they describe as the “root causes” of the conflict. With Russian forces continuing to press their military advantage in some areas, many analysts believe the Kremlin has little incentive to compromise in the near term.
US envoy Steve Witkoff sought to reassure European partners about Washington’s role, amid growing concern over the reliability of US security guarantees under Trump. Asked whether the United States would come to the aid of European troops if they were attacked in Ukraine, Witkoff said the guarantees under discussion were “as strong as anyone has ever seen” and designed both to deter and respond to any future aggression.
“The president does not back down from his commitments,” Witkoff said, adding that Trump “strongly stands” behind the proposed security arrangements and remains committed to helping Ukraine reach what he described as a final peace.
The Paris talks took place against a complicated geopolitical backdrop. Trump’s recent focus on Venezuela, combined with renewed threats to annex Greenland, has strained relations with European allies and raised questions about Washington’s strategic priorities. Several leaders at the summit privately expressed concern about whether Europe could rely on US backing at a moment when transatlantic relations appear increasingly transactional.
Parallel to the European discussions, US and Ukrainian officials have been engaged in weeks of negotiations over a potential bilateral peace framework that Washington would then present to Moscow. Zelenskyy said talks were continuing but acknowledged that territorial issues remain the most difficult obstacle.
“We have a number of ideas that could be helpful,” Zelenskyy said, while making clear that Ukraine’s red lines had not changed. If negotiators fail to bridge their differences, he said he was prepared to discuss the matter directly with Trump.
Witkoff agreed that territory would be the most contentious issue. “That will be the most critical question,” he said, expressing hope that compromises could still be found.
Even as leaders spoke of progress, expectations were tempered by realism. Starmer acknowledged that while diplomacy may have advanced, the hardest phase still lies ahead. “We are closer to peace than ever,” he said, “but we can only get there if President Putin is ready to make compromises. At the moment, he is not showing that readiness.”
The summit drew an unusually large turnout, with 27 heads of state or government present, alongside senior military officials from France, Britain, Ukraine and Nato who met on the sidelines. However, unity was not absolute. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said their countries would not contribute troops to any mission inside Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany could support a multinational force but would prefer to base its troops in neighbouring countries rather than on Ukrainian territory itself.
Zelenskyy has warned that the credibility of the coalition depends on whether key nations are willing to move beyond political statements. While intelligence sharing and weapons supplies remain vital, he said, the commitment by Britain and France to deploy forces would give real weight to any security guarantees.
“Speaking frankly, even the existence of this coalition depends on whether countries are ready to step up,” Zelenskyy said. “If they are not, then it is not truly a coalition of the willing.”
For now, the European pledge stands as a signal of intent rather than an imminent reality—one that may test both alliance unity and Russia’s resolve in the uncertain months ahead.
