UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron announced a declaration of intent Tuesday in Paris to deploy troops across Ukraine if a ceasefire and peace deal with Russia materialize. The “Coalition of the Willing” heads of state agreed on establishing multiple military hubs to deter future Russian invasions, secure Ukrainian airspace and seas, and regenerate Kyiv’s armed forces long-term. Macron specified thousands of troops may participate, while Starmer noted British, French, and partner forces operating under a new legal framework.
Paris summit key agreements
The high-level talks produced robust security guarantees for Ukraine, with US negotiator Steve Witkoff stating protocols are “largely finished” to ensure the war “ends forever.” Witkoff emphasized durable prosperity commitments alongside defense. US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Jared Kushner stressed “real backstops” preventing recurrence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it a “huge step forward” and “milestone,” though insufficient without full war termination. Zelensky, last week claiming a deal “90% ready,” views US-led truce verification, multinational presence, and arms support as convincers for skeptical Ukrainians facing winter attrition.
Territorial stalemate persists
Core disputes center on territory: Russia occupies 20% of Ukraine, including 75% of Donetsk and 99% Luhansk in industrial Donbas. Putin demands complete Ukrainian withdrawal from eastern Donbas, rejecting compromises. Zelensky refuses ceding land but proposes symmetric troop pullbacks to an agreed line.
The original leaked US 28-point plan favored Moscow, prompting Kyiv’s revised 20-point counterproposal last month, plus separate security and reconstruction documents. Few ceasefire line details emerged; many Ukrainians resist concessions amid ongoing Russian strikes on cities and infrastructure.
Russian response and risks
Moscow repeatedly deems foreign troops “legitimate targets,” opposing European forces in disputed zones without achieving war aims. Putin remains silent on Paris outcomes as his forces advance slowly. No armed conflict halt seems likely without territorial gains.
Allies term guarantees “protocols” for Trump flexibility in future defense scenarios. Zelensky weighs bloody winter warfare, hitting Ukraine harder, against coalition bolstering, amid eastern snows and winds.
Source: BBC
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