Zelenskyy, Starmer and Macron sign declaration on future multinational forces in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a declaration of intent on Tuesday outlining the future deployment of multinational forces in Ukraine.

The UK and France also confirmed plans to establish “military hubs” in Ukraine, contingent on a peace deal, a move Zelenskyy called a “huge step forward.”

The agreement, reached during the “Coalition of the Willing” summit in Paris, is designed to provide security guarantees once a ceasefire is achieved and to bolster Kyiv’s defence, reconstruction, and strategic stability.

Macron said the security guarantees, including multinational force deployment, aim to prevent further aggression and ensure Ukraine is never forced into surrender. He emphasised that American participation, particularly in monitoring the frontline, is crucial, describing the commitment as genuine and operationally coherent. The declaration formalises cooperation between 35 coalition countries, Ukraine, and the United States to build robust security arrangements.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff highlighted the progress on both security guarantees and a “prosperity plan,” noting that durable commitments are essential for lasting peace. “We think we’re largely finished with security protocols,” he said, adding that discussions on territorial arrangements will continue to seek compromises.

Jared Kushner described the day as a “very big milestone,” while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany could maintain a presence in a neighbouring NATO area and emphasised the need for compromises to achieve peace.

The declaration follows extensive coordination last year, including a meeting in Berlin, and reflects growing international resolve to secure Ukraine’s sovereignty through both military and strategic measures.

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