UK and France Pledge Military Hubs Across Ukraine in Post-Ceasefire Security Plan
Western allies agree on framework to establish military infrastructure and support mechanisms in Ukraine contingent on a ceasefire with Russia
British and French leaders have announced a landmark commitment to establish military hubs across Ukraine once a ceasefire with Russia is achieved, as part of a broader strategy to secure long-term peace and deter renewed aggression.
The pledge was made on January 6 at a summit in Paris alongside European and North American partners, where officials laid out detailed security guarantees intended to underpin a future peace agreement.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom and President Emmanuel Macron of France signed a declaration of intent with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that would see allied forces help build and operate fortified facilities for storage of weapons and equipment and provide training and support to Ukrainian forces.
The initiative represents one of the clearest outlines yet of Western security commitments for the post-war period, reinforcing Ukraine’s defence capacity and reassuring Kyiv of sustained multilateral support for its sovereignty.
The agreement, reached under the auspices of the “Coalition of the Willing,” involves contributions from the US and other allied states.
Under the plan, ceasefire monitoring mechanisms will be placed under US leadership, with several nations—including the UK and France—providing personnel and resources to verify compliance and coordinate operational aspects of the security architecture.
Both Starmer and Macron stressed that the military hubs and associated facilities would support Ukraine’s defensive needs and ensure that the country can rebuild its armed forces and infrastructure in a stable environment.
Officials emphasised that the deployments would be contingent on a formal ceasefire and are not intended to engage in combat operations, instead focusing on training, deterrence and logistical support.
UK and French forces stationed at these hubs could play a role in bolstering air, sea and ground capacity and help integrate multinational defence efforts.
The declaration outlines the legal and operational framework for allied presence on Ukrainian soil, reflecting coordinated Western resolve to uphold Kyiv’s security commitments following the end of hostilities.
While Russia has been broadly critical of foreign military presence on Ukrainian territory, Kyiv welcomed the accord as a significant step towards solidifying international backing and strengthening the deterrence against any future violation of peace terms.
Leaders at the Paris summit also discussed parallel economic recovery measures and enhanced sanctions enforcement to sustain pressure on Moscow until a comprehensive agreement is reached.
The pledge was made on January 6 at a summit in Paris alongside European and North American partners, where officials laid out detailed security guarantees intended to underpin a future peace agreement.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom and President Emmanuel Macron of France signed a declaration of intent with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that would see allied forces help build and operate fortified facilities for storage of weapons and equipment and provide training and support to Ukrainian forces.
The initiative represents one of the clearest outlines yet of Western security commitments for the post-war period, reinforcing Ukraine’s defence capacity and reassuring Kyiv of sustained multilateral support for its sovereignty.
The agreement, reached under the auspices of the “Coalition of the Willing,” involves contributions from the US and other allied states.
Under the plan, ceasefire monitoring mechanisms will be placed under US leadership, with several nations—including the UK and France—providing personnel and resources to verify compliance and coordinate operational aspects of the security architecture.
Both Starmer and Macron stressed that the military hubs and associated facilities would support Ukraine’s defensive needs and ensure that the country can rebuild its armed forces and infrastructure in a stable environment.
Officials emphasised that the deployments would be contingent on a formal ceasefire and are not intended to engage in combat operations, instead focusing on training, deterrence and logistical support.
UK and French forces stationed at these hubs could play a role in bolstering air, sea and ground capacity and help integrate multinational defence efforts.
The declaration outlines the legal and operational framework for allied presence on Ukrainian soil, reflecting coordinated Western resolve to uphold Kyiv’s security commitments following the end of hostilities.
While Russia has been broadly critical of foreign military presence on Ukrainian territory, Kyiv welcomed the accord as a significant step towards solidifying international backing and strengthening the deterrence against any future violation of peace terms.
Leaders at the Paris summit also discussed parallel economic recovery measures and enhanced sanctions enforcement to sustain pressure on Moscow until a comprehensive agreement is reached.
