Britain and France Prepare to Deploy Troops to Ukraine Amid Peace Talks

In a groundbreaking move, Britain and France have announced their readiness to deploy troops to Ukraine following a peace deal that has been under discussion for months. This significant commitment was revealed after a summit in Paris attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and representatives from various allied nations, including U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law. The trilateral declaration, signed by Macron, Starmer, and Zelenskyy, aims to facilitate the establishment of military hubs across Ukraine in the aftermath of a ceasefire. Starmer noted that while the UK and France are prepared to deploy forces, these troops are not expected to engage directly with Russian forces if an invasion were to occur again. Rather, the purpose of the deployment is to provide reassurance during a ceasefire and to remain stationed away from frontline conflict. During the talks, Macron emphasized the coalition's commitment to ceasefire monitoring, with American leadership, and long-term support for the Ukrainian armed forces, which will continue to be on the frontline of defense against Russia. Witkoff reinforced U.S. support, stating that security guarantees were stronger than ever and aimed at deterring further violence. He assured that, should European forces face attacks in Ukraine, they would receive U.S. aid, highlighting President Trump's unwavering commitment to Ukraine's security. The discussions took place in the backdrop of shifting political focuses, as Trump's attention has increasingly turned from Ukraine to Venezuela, raising questions about U.S. reliability in securing NATO's eastern flank. Notably, Trump’s previous threats to annex Greenland have sparked tensions in U.S.-European relations and left some European leaders wary of the impending troop deployments. As negotiations continue, Zelenskyy highlighted that territory remains a contentious issue with Russia. He expressed his readiness to directly engage with Trump if talks stalled. While there are hopes for compromise, both Witkoff and Zelenskyy acknowledged that achieving peace remains contingent upon Russia's willingness to negotiate. The Kremlin has firmly opposed the deployment of NATO soldiers to Ukraine, with Russian officials expressing disinterest in a temporary ceasefire, seeking instead a comprehensive resolution to the conflict that addresses the perceived root causes. Starmer recognized the challenges ahead, asserting that genuine progress toward peace hinges on Russia's readiness to compromise. With 27 world leaders gathering in Paris, the talks underscored widespread international support for Ukraine's sovereignty, yet not all nations, like Italy and Poland, are prepared to contribute forces. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated potential contributions but insisted they remain outside Ukraine. As Ukraine navigates this complex geopolitical landscape, Zelenskyy reiterated the imperative for military support from allies, stating that substantial commitments from Britain and France are crucial for maintaining the coalition's effectiveness. He asserted that the collective commitment of nations will determine the coalition's ability to stand united against aggression in Ukraine. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3