The UK and France have signed a joint declaration pledging to deploy troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal, to guarantee the nation’s security.
The agreement states that a “multinational force for Ukraine” would be deployed to the Eastern European country to deter further attacks from Russia and bolster security guarantees.
This would also allow the Ukrainian armed forces to rebuild strength, Sir Keir Starmer has announced.
It follows a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris on Tuesday afternoon, led by French President Emmanuel Macron and the British prime minister. Jared Kushner, the US president’s son-in-law, and the US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, also attended the talks.
Sir Keir has previously stated that the UK might deploy troops to Ukraine following a peace deal, but this agreement now creates the legal framework for allowing British and French troops to operate there.
The declaration was formally unveiled at a news conference by Mr Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Sir Keir.
Cabinet revolt brewing over business rates hike – as hospitality warned not to protest
Rules-based system ‘disintegrating before our eyes’, Wes Streeting warns
Trump’s Maduro raid broke international law, Scottish leader suggests – as PM says US must ‘set out justifications’
Addressing the media, Sir Keir said: “We’ve had a very constructive meeting.
“The purpose of the Coalition of the Willing is to help to deliver a peace that can last and to work with the US to guarantee Ukrainian security for the long term.
“This work is more advanced than ever.”
He then laid out the terms of the declaration.
The PM said the UK will participate in US-led “monitoring and verification of any ceasefire”, will provide arms to Ukraine in the long-term, and will seek binding commitments to support Ukraine in case of a future armed attack by Russia.
As well as ensuring that soldiers will be deployed on Ukrainian soil, the agreement will also cover protection for Ukraine’s skies and sea, Sir Keir added.
The declaration also states that the two countries would establish “military hubs” in Ukraine, so that military equipment could be deployed for defensive needs.
Sir Keir added: “This is all about building the practical foundations on which peace would rest. But we can only get to a peace deal if Putin is ready to make compromises.
“We have to be frank – for all Russia’s words, Putin is not showing that he is ready for peace.”
He concluded that the UK and its allies will continue to turn up the pressure on Russia until “they come to the table in good faith”.
Speaking at the news conference, Mr Macron said the summit has seen European nations discuss “strong security guarantees” with the US representatives, while Mr Zelenskyy called the joint declaration “very concrete”.
The Ukrainian president added: “This illustrates the willingness of the coalition and the European countries to work for peace.
“We want to be ready so that when diplomacy reaches peace, we can deploy the forces of the Coalition of the Willing.”
Ukraine already has enough details and knows which countries will get involved in the agreement, including what each of them will contribute separately, Zelenskyy said.
But he admitted that some issues “remain open” with the revised 20-point peace plan, with the biggest problem being “the issue of territory”.
Speaking on behalf of the US, Mr Witkoff said he would meet with the Ukrainian delegation against on Tuesday evening, but that they are “largely finished with security protocols”.
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
He added: “We are here to mediate and help in the peace process, and we’re prepared to do anything necessary to get to that place. President Trump strongly, fervently believes that this killing has to stop, that the carnage has to stop.”
Donald Trump’s son-in law, Mr Kushner, later said the agreement is “a very, very big milestone”, in answer to a question from a journalist.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
