Kathrine Frich
The British government is framing the troop deployment as preparation for peace.
The British government is framing the troop deployment as preparation for peace.
British Boots on the Ground
The UK is preparing to deploy troops to Ukraine in support of a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the war with Russia.
Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed the move, saying the Prime Minister is ready to put soldiers into Ukraine as part of a wider “Coalition of the Willing.”
Coalition of the Willing Grows
Led by the UK and France, the coalition seeks to safeguard peace if hostilities between Ukraine and Russia cease.
France and Britain are expected to contribute the largest share of the peacekeeping force, though backing from the United States remains key.
Ceasefire Plan Still Alive
Despite earlier suggestions that British troops would not be sent due to U.S. hesitancy, Mr. Healey made clear the plan is still in motion.
“Yes,” he told Times Radio, confirming the UK would deploy soldiers to help uphold a future ceasefire.
50,000 Troops for Europe
The UK and France will also lead a force of 50,000 troops ready to deploy across Europe in response to any major threat.
The Franco-British military summit will also explore deepening nuclear and defence cooperation.
Macron’s State Visit Reinforces Ties
French President Emmanuel Macron is currently visiting the UK for a high-level summit with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
The talks mark the first summit with a European ally since Brexit and signal a strong defence reset between the two nuclear powers.
Storm Shadow Missiles Back in Focus
As part of the new defence pact, Britain and France have agreed to order more Storm Shadow missiles.
These long-range precision weapons have proven critical in Ukraine’s fight, enabling strikes deep into Russian territory.
Defence Pact to Support Thousands of Jobs
The development of Storm Shadow’s replacement will now enter its next phase, a move expected to support over 1,300 UK jobs.
The joint missile project shows deepening UK-France defence industry ties.
Reinforcing Europe’s Nuclear Deterrent
Macron and Starmer are also pledging to coordinate their nations’ nuclear deterrents.
While both nuclear arsenals remain independent, their alignment sends a clear signal to Moscow and other adversaries.
NATO Urged to Step Up
With the United States under Donald Trump urging European allies to take greater responsibility, the UK-France defence axis is now emerging as a central pillar of NATO’s future.
Cyber and Hybrid Threats Also Targeted
The summit goes beyond conventional warfare.
Leaders are also addressing cyber attacks and hybrid threats, increasingly used by adversaries like Russia to destabilise Europe from within.
Ceasefire Enforcement the Endgame
The British government is framing the troop deployment not as intervention but as preparation for peace.
Should a ceasefire be agreed, British forces would step in to help enforce and stabilise it.
Starmer: “We Are Ready”
Prime Minister Starmer called the partnership a leap forward:
“From war in Europe to new nuclear risks and cyber-attacks, the threats we face are multiplying. We stand ready to use our shared might to meet them.”
Macron: Europe Must Lead
French President Macron echoed that sentiment, urging Europe to take charge of its own security.
He hailed the joint troop force and missile programmes as essential to a more independent, resilient Europe.
