The UK and France have signed a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal is made with Russia, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced.
After talks with Ukraine's allies in Paris, he said the UK and France would establish military hubs across Ukraine to deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron later said thousands of troops may be deployed.
Allies also largely agreed robust security guarantees for Ukraine and proposed that the US would take the lead in monitoring a truce. But the key issue of territory is still being discussed.
Russia has repeatedly warned that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be a legitimate target.
Moscow has not yet commented on the announcements made in the French capital.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Heads of state and top officials from the Coalition of the Willing took part in Tuesday's talks in Paris.
Speaking at a joint press conference after the meeting, Starmer said: We signed a declaration of intent on the deployment of forces to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal. This is a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term.
Top US negotiator Steve Witkoff said durable security guarantees and robust prosperity commitments are essential to a lasting peace in Ukraine - referring to a key demand made by Kyiv.
Meanwhile, President Macron said Ukraine's allies had made considerable progress at the talks, agreeing on robust security guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a potential ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that a huge step forward had been made in Paris, but only if the efforts resulted in the end of the war.
