UK and France Pledge Troops to Ukraine as Coalition of the Willing Summit Achieves 'Milestone' Progress

The United Kingdom and France have signed a historic Declaration of Intent to deploy troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia, marking the most significant commitment yet from the "Coalition of the Willing" group of nations.

Historic Commitment

At a summit in Paris attended by 35 countries and 27 heads of state or government, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to establish "military hubs" across Ukraine to support the country's defense following any peace agreement.

"We-the UK-lead the 50 nation-strong Ukraine Defence Contact Group alongside Germany," Starmer told the summit. "We, with France, lead the coalition of the willing, undertaking detailed military planning to help secure peace for the long term."

US Engagement

Notably, the summit was attended for the first time by Trump administration envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Kushner described the talks as a "real milestone," though he cautioned that "this does not mean we will make peace."

The coalition agreed to participate in a proposed US-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism using drones, sensors, and satellites.

German Position

Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated Germany could deploy forces to monitor a ceasefire but would base them in a neighboring NATO country. "We will certainly have to make compromises," he said.

Joint Statement on Greenland

Seven European leaders-from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the UK and Denmark-also issued a joint statement defending "the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders," an oblique response to Trump's Greenland demands.