UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer said that Great Britain has signed a deal that will see British troops deployed to Ukraine, where the UK and France will "establish military hubs" in the country and they will "build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment."
Starmer made the comments on Tuesday, and said that the countries will establish the "military hubs" in Ukraine following a ceasefire in the war. Starmer said that Britain signed a “declaration of intent” that "paves the way for legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil.”
"To support Ukraine’s defensive needs and with our Coalition partners, we also have agreed significant further steps. First, that we will participate in US-led monitoring and verification of any ceasefire. Second, we will support the long-term provision of armaments for Ukraine’s defence. And third, we will work towards binding commitments… To support Ukraine in the case of a future armed attack by Russia. This is all about building the practical foundations on which peace would rest," Starmer added.
The agreement of intent was signed by French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as Starmer while they were at the summit in France which was attended by several other countries.
Also present were the US envoy Steve Witkoff as well as Jared Kushenr, who said President Donald Trump "strongly stands" behind the measures taken by the UK and France. Although the military hubs are set to be established after a ceasefire is met, they are unlikely to engage with Russia if Vladimir Putin were to relaunch an invation of Ukraine. Macron said the would be to provide reassurance after the ceasefire” and the hubs would be "a long way behind the contact line."
Starmer made the comments on Tuesday, and said that the countries will establish the "military hubs" in Ukraine following a ceasefire in the war. Starmer said that Britain signed a “declaration of intent” that "paves the way for legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil.”
"To support Ukraine’s defensive needs and with our Coalition partners, we also have agreed significant further steps. First, that we will participate in US-led monitoring and verification of any ceasefire. Second, we will support the long-term provision of armaments for Ukraine’s defence. And third, we will work towards binding commitments… To support Ukraine in the case of a future armed attack by Russia. This is all about building the practical foundations on which peace would rest," Starmer added.
The agreement of intent was signed by French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as Starmer while they were at the summit in France which was attended by several other countries.
Also present were the US envoy Steve Witkoff as well as Jared Kushenr, who said President Donald Trump "strongly stands" behind the measures taken by the UK and France. Although the military hubs are set to be established after a ceasefire is met, they are unlikely to engage with Russia if Vladimir Putin were to relaunch an invation of Ukraine. Macron said the would be to provide reassurance after the ceasefire” and the hubs would be "a long way behind the contact line."
