Starmer says Britain, France will send troops to Ukraine if peace deal with Russia reached

Britain and France will deploy military personnel to Ukraine if a peace deal is reached between Ukraine and Russia, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said following a summit in Paris hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Following a “very constructive meeting” that was the result of several negotiations over the recent days and weeks, Mr. Starmer on Tuesday signed a trilateral “declaration of intent” with Mr. Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to place U.K. and French troops within Ukraine’s borders.

“This is a vital part of our cast-iron commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long term,” Mr. Starmer said. “It paves the way for the framework under which Britain, France, and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine’s skies and seas, while regenerating Ukraine’s armed forces for the future.”

Mr. Zelenskyy said military officials from Britain, France, and Ukraine have worked out the details about which troops will be deployed, where they will be assigned, and what type of weapons they will need to operate effectively.

“We understand which country is ready from all the willing countries of the Coalition,” Mr. Zelenskyy said. “I want to thank every leader from every state that truly wants to be part of a peaceful solution.”

Mr. Starmer said the U.K. will take part in future U.S.-led monitoring of any ceasefire between Russian and Ukrainian troops. Britain’s second priority is to support the long-term provisions of military weapons and ammunition for Ukraine’s future defense.

London will also work to establish binding commitments from the international community for Ukraine, Mr. Starmer said.

But the Coalition of the Willing deployment to Ukraine faces serious challenges. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressly ruled out any participation of NATO troops inside Ukraine’s borders

“For all Russia’s words, Putin is not showing that he is ready for peace,” Mr. Starmer warned. “Over the last few weeks, we have seen the opposite: further horrific strikes on Ukraine, killing and wounding civilians, and cutting off power for millions of people in the dead of winter.”