As diplomatic efforts around the Ukraine war intensify, fresh decisions are now moving discussions beyond words and into concrete action.
Talks in Paris have signaled a major shift, with the UK stepping closer to a direct role in securing peace once fighting stops.
Keir Starmer Signals UK Readiness for Peacekeeping
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has opened the door for British troops to be deployed to Ukraine as part of a future peacekeeping force.
During high-level meetings in Paris, he signed what is being called the Paris Declaration, formally committing the UK to military involvement if a peace deal with Russia is reached.
The agreement outlines plans for Britain and France to jointly establish military hubs across Ukraine, designed to support stability and security in the post-war period.
The Paris Declaration and the Coalition of the Willing
Sir Keir signed the declaration alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after talks involving the so-called Coalition of the Willing.
The discussions brought together key international players, including Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s peace envoy, and Jared Kushner, the US President’s son-in-law.
The presence of both European leaders and influential US figures underlined the growing coordination around a possible ceasefire and what comes after it.
Starmer Warns Peace Is Close but Not Guaranteed
Speaking at a press conference in Paris, Sir Keir said Ukraine and its allies were “closer to peace than ever,” but he was quick to caution that the most difficult steps still lie ahead.
He accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of showing no genuine willingness to end the war.
According to the Prime Minister, recent weeks have seen intensified Russian strikes on Ukraine, killing civilians and plunging millions into darkness during winter.
He also dismissed claims from Moscow about alleged attacks on Putin’s residence, calling them distractions from peace efforts.
Pressure on Russia to Continue
Sir Keir stressed that the UK and its partners would keep tightening the screws on Russia.
This includes further action against oil tankers and so-called shadow fleet operators believed to be helping finance the war.
He said these developments have only strengthened the resolve of Ukraine’s allies rather than weakening it.
What the Agreement Means on the Ground
The Prime Minister described the Paris Declaration as a clear statement of intent to deploy forces once peace is secured.
He said it represents a long-term commitment to Ukraine’s future safety.
Under the agreement, the UK and France would help create the legal framework allowing allied forces to operate inside Ukraine.
Their role would include securing Ukrainian airspace and maritime areas, as well as rebuilding and strengthening Ukraine’s armed forces.
Sir Keir confirmed that, after any ceasefire, military hubs would be set up across the country, along with protected facilities to store weapons and military equipment needed for Ukraine’s defense.
UK Role in Ceasefire Monitoring and Arms Support
Beyond boots on the ground, the UK has pledged to take part in any US-led verification process to monitor a ceasefire.
Britain also plans to support the long-term supply of weapons to ensure Ukraine can defend itself well into the future.
Macron and Kushner Emphasise Security Guarantees
President Macron said that strong security guarantees are central to the Paris agreement.
Meanwhile, Jared Kushner revealed that President Zelensky and Donald Trump held extensive talks about security guarantees during their meeting at Mar-a-Lago last month.
Kushner said many of the outstanding concerns were resolved during those discussions, describing the Paris talks as a major milestone.
Peace Through Strength, Not Just Promises
Kushner made it clear that progress does not automatically mean peace is guaranteed.
However, he argued that peace would be impossible without the steps taken in Paris.
He said Ukraine needs confidence that any final deal will leave it secure, backed by real deterrence and safeguards to prevent another invasion.
According to him, the US is pushing for de-escalation on both sides while building a strong deterrent — what he called “peace through strength.”
Downing Street Confirms Deployment Plans
A statement from Downing Street echoed these points, confirming that the declaration lays the groundwork for British and French forces to operate in Ukraine.
It also noted that detailed discussions were held on how troops would be deployed and coordinated on the ground.
Alongside a new coordination cell, both countries plan to establish military hubs across Ukraine after a ceasefire, ensuring logistics, weapons storage, and defensive support are in place.
What’s Next?
The focus now shifts to whether a ceasefire can be secured — and whether Russia will engage meaningfully in the process.
If that happens, the plans agreed in Paris could move quickly from paper to reality, marking a significant new chapter in Europe’s involvement in Ukraine’s future.
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