In a significant move, the UK and France have agreed to send troops to Ukraine, contingent upon a peace agreement with Russia. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the declaration of intent, highlighting plans to set up military hubs and construct secure facilities for military equipment across Ukraine. The announcement follows extensive discussions with allies from over 30 nations in Paris.

The backdrop for this decision is a series of ongoing efforts to stabilise the region following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Currently, Russia maintains control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. A ceasefire agreement is deemed essential for the deployment and aims to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities in the face of continued aggression.

Experts, including US negotiator Steve Witkoff, emphasise the necessity of "durable security guarantees and robust prosperity commitments" for enduring peace—a primary demand from Kyiv. However, Russia has cautioned that foreign troops entering Ukraine would be perceived as a "legitimate target," underscoring the potential risks involved.

Looking forward, the focus remains on diplomatic negotiations to achieve a ceasefire, which is crucial for the intervention. The international community continues to pressure Russia, aiming to secure a stable and peaceful resolution. Successful negotiations could pave the way for the deployment of British and French troops, marking a pivotal step in supporting Ukraine's sovereignty, reported the BBC.

Key Takeaways

• The UK and France plan troop deployment in Ukraine pending a peace deal.

• They plan to establish military hubs and secure facilities for defence equipment.

• Russia cautions that the perception of foreign troops as a legitimate target will persist.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2026-01-07

 

 

Make that announcement after the peace deal is done.

You just gave Putin another reason not to go through with this.

Perhaps more appropriate........

"...In a significant move, the UK and France have agreed to send troops to Greenland, contingent upon a peace agreement with the Trump regime..."

British, French & German troops & aircraft should already be in Ukraine. Instead the weak leaders just ponce around in front of the cameras.

Putin has their number. But he is himself the bluffer-in-chief.

16 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

British, French & German troops & aircraft should already be in Ukraine. Instead the weak leaders just ponce around in front of the cameras.

Putin has their number. But he is himself the bluffer-in-chief.

Yeah. Because WW3 and nuclear Armageddon is a great idea.

11 minutes ago, impulse said:

Yeah. Because WW3 and nuclear Armageddon is a great idea.

They don't have to be nuclear-armed. And Putin wouldn't do anything apart from huffing & puffing. He doesn't do anything about US & other Western troops in Poland & Finland & the Baltics ...

A complete non-starter as it has being repeatedly ruled out by the Russians. Just a desperate attempt by Starmer and Macron ( who will be out of power next year) to remain relevant, when the only voice that really matters is on the other side of the Atlantic.

1 hour ago, Summerinsiam said:

A complete non-starter as it has being repeatedly ruled out by the Russians.

So every time Putin makes a speech the Europeans are to burst into tears & run home for Mummy?

For a treaty to be signed, if ever, it is likely to include a clause excluding NATO boots on the ground in the Ukraine. If Russia finds French and British troops are violating the treaty, it is possible that as a disincentive they drop some fireworks on them. The politicians will not worry, they hide cannon-fodder casualties. Starmer has declared one lance-corporal killed. A gross understatement.

Strangely both these nations have a powerful arms lobby. Ukraine is going to plunder the European Union into total chaos. Nobody in the media ever speaks out of all the corruption at the top level in Ukraine with millions of dollars being regularly embezzled either from the money or the arms and supplies sent over. The Russians of course are not better which is all the more reason to let them sort out their own mess that is basically a long dated cultural antagonism too.

The question you need to ask is why doesn't Putin want NATO troops on the ground after a peace deal?

Could it be that he intends to arm up and take the rest of Ukraine later? Indeed, could there be any other reason?

They wont’ follow though.

16 hours ago, SingAPorn said:

Strangely both these nations have a powerful arms lobby. Ukraine is going to plunder the European Union into total chaos. Nobody in the media ever speaks out of all the corruption at the top level in Ukraine with millions of dollars being regularly embezzled either from the money or the arms and supplies sent over. The Russians of course are not better which is all the more reason to let them sort out their own mess that is basically a long dated cultural antagonism too.

What is your proof of "millions of dollars being regularly embezzled either from the money or the arms and supplies sent over".

6 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

The question you need to ask is why doesn't Putin want NATO troops on the ground after a peace deal?

Could it be that he intends to arm up and take the rest of Ukraine later? Indeed, could there be any other reason?

No other reason.

12 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

The question you need to ask is why doesn't Putin want NATO troops on the ground after a peace deal?

Could it be that he intends to arm up and take the rest of Ukraine later? Indeed, could there be any other reason?

Would it be that NATO intends to keep arming Ukraine and actually doesn't want peace? Putin would be insane to agree to that deal. He doesn't trust the West.