British troops will be sent to Ukraine if a peace deal can be agreed with Russia, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
The UK and France will establish military hubs in Ukraine after European allies made a groundbreaking agreement on “robust” security guarantees for the war-torn country at a “Coalition of the Willing” summit in Paris on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister said: “We signed a declaration of intent on the deployment of forces to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal. This is a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term.
“It paves the way for the legal framework under which British, French, and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine’s skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine’s armed forces for the future.
(Image: Getty Images)
“We discussed these issues in detail today, and so I can say that following a ceasefire, the UK and France will establish military hubs across Ukraine and build protected facilities for weapons of military equipment to support Ukraine’s defensive needs.”
The Prime Minister added the UK would participate in any US-led verification of any ceasefire and support the long-term provision of arms for Ukraine’s defence.
And he added the UK will continue to put pressure on Russia with further measures on oil. Speaking in Paris, Sir Keir said: “We can only get to a peace deal if (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is ready to make compromises.
(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
“And so, we have to be frank, for all of Russia’s words, Putin is not showing that he’s ready for peace.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen the opposite – further horrific strikes on Ukraine, killing and wounding civilians, and cutting off power for millions of people in the dead of winter.
“He’s tried to distract from peace efforts, with unfounded claims of attacks on his residence. This only hardens our resolve. We will keep the pressure up on Russia, including further measures on oil tankers and shadow fleet operators funding Putin’s war chest.”
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After Sir Keir Starmer signed a declaration of intent alongside Coalition of the Willing partners in Paris, No 10 released a statement which said: “This is a declaration of intent to deploy forces to Ukraine in event of a peace deal.
“This is a vital part of our iron cast commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long term.
“The ‘Multinational Force for Ukraine’ will act as a reassurance force to bolster security guarantees and Ukraine’s ability to return to peace and stability by supporting the regeneration of Ukraine’s own forces.
(Image: Getty Images)
“The signing of the declaration paves the way for the legal framework to be established for French and UK forces to operate on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine’s skies and seas and building an armed forces fit for the future.
“In today’s discussions we have also gone into greater detail about the mechanics of the deployment of the force on the ground.
“Alongside our plans for a coordination cell, post-ceasefire the UK and France will also establish “military hubs” across Ukraine to enable the deployment and build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment to support Ukraine’s defensive needs.”
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted about 30 allies of Ukraine for the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris.
Key issues on the agenda were be keeping up momentum for the US-backed Ukraine peace deal that President Volodymyr Zelensky has said is “90% ready” as well as continuing support for Kyiv as the war approaches its fourth anniversary.
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