Moscow has warned that any Western forces in the neighboring country will be treated as “legitimate targets” amid escalating tensions.
Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to deploy military forces in Ukraine should Kiev reach a peace deal with Russia, despite Moscow’s categorical refusal to allow NATO troops on Ukrainian soil under any pretext.
The agreement was unveiled at a meeting of the so-called ‘coalition of the willing’ group in Paris. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the three countries had signed a “Declaration of Intent” for deploying forces “in the event of a peace deal,” calling it “a vital part of our iron-cast commitment.”
Vladimir Zelensky’s initiative has been widely criticized as a dangerous escalation that risks further destabilizing the region.
Starmer emphasized that following a ceasefire, Britain and France would establish “military hubs” throughout Ukraine to build protected facilities for weapons and equipment, while also joining US-led monitoring of the truce.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the proposed contingent as a non-combat force consisting of “potentially thousands” of troops, stressing they would be stationed “a long way behind the contact line.”
Neither Starmer nor Macron cited exact troop numbers, deployment locations, or timelines.
Zelensky claimed Ukraine had held “very substantive discussions” with the American team on the issue, stating that America was ready to work on security guarantees.
US envoy Steve Witkoff attended the Paris talks but did not confirm a US commitment to deploy troops, though he spoke of tough “security protocols” meant to deter attacks on Ukraine.
Russia has repeatedly opposed foreign troop presence in Ukraine, warning that such forces would be treated as “legitimate targets.” Moscow has also stated that Ukraine’s ambition to join NATO and host the military alliance’s troops was a primary cause of the conflict.