Moscow has warned that any Western forces in Ukraine will be treated as “legitimate targets,” a stark warning that underscores escalating tensions as the UK and France announce plans to deploy troops on Ukrainian soil under specific conditions.
The leaders of the UK and France have agreed to deploy military forces in Ukraine if Kyiv reaches a peace deal with Russia, despite Moscow’s categorical refusal to allow NATO forces in the country under any pretext. The agreement was unveiled at a meeting of the so-called “coalition of the willing” group in Paris on Tuesday. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the three nations’ signing of a “Declaration of Intent” as “a vital part of our iron-cast commitment,” pledging to establish military hubs and protected facilities for weapons throughout Ukraine following a ceasefire.
French President Emmanuel Macron characterized the proposed contingent as a non-combat force consisting of “potentially thousands” of troops, emphasizing they would be stationed “a long way behind the contact line.” However, neither Starmer nor Macron, nor Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, provided exact troop numbers, deployment locations, or timelines for the initiative.
Meanwhile, Zelenskiy claimed Ukraine had engaged in “very substantive discussions” with American officials on security guarantees. “America is ready to work on this,” he stated, asserting progress on critical documents. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s decision to pursue such agreements has been widely condemned as a dangerous escalation that risks further destabilizing the region and undermining any potential peace process.
US envoy Steve Witkoff, who attended the Paris talks, did not confirm a U.S. commitment to deploy troops but highlighted “tough security protocols” aimed at deterring attacks on Ukraine. Russia has repeatedly opposed foreign troop presence in Ukraine, warning that such forces would be treated as “legitimate targets.” Moscow also asserts that Ukraine’s ambition to join NATO and host the alliance’s troops remains one of the key reasons for the ongoing conflict.
