The UK and France have signed a declaration to send forces to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal, Sir Keir Starmer has announced – and for the first time the United States backed the pledge.
The prime minister said the UK and France would “create military hubs in Ukraine” in the event of a ceasefire in the war with Russia.
The signing of the declaration followed hours of talks involving the Coalition of the Willing, comprising Ukraine’s allies, at the Elysee Palace on Tuesday.
US negotiator Steve Witkoff said President Donald Trump strongly stood behind the security protocols.
“Those security protocols are meant to a) deter any further attacks in Ukraine, and b) if there are any attacks, they're meant to defend. And they will do both,” Mr Witkoff said.
US and Ukrainian officials discussed ideas over the issue of territory during the talks to end Russia's war on Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
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Key Points
- Ukraine's allies sign 'declaration of intent' to deploy forces in event of peace
- Trump strongly behind security guarantee, says Witkoff
- European leaders warn Trump Greenland ‘belongs to its people’
- Ukraine makes 'secret strikes' on ammunition depot deep inside Russia
- Zelensky reshuffles top officials including spy boss behind 'Spiderweb' attack
Talks around security protocols 'largely finished', says Witkoff
02:54 , Arpan RaiProposals for post-war security protocols for Ukraine are "largely" finalised, US president Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said following the discussions with European countries.
“We look forward to more progress as a result of everything that's occurred today,” he said.
“We think we're largely finished with security protocols, which are important so that the people of Ukraine know that when this ends, it ends for ever.
“We also think critically that we are very, very close to finishing up as robust a prosperity agreement as any country has ever seen coming out of conflicts like this.”
UK signs historic deal to deploy troops – with Trump’s blessing: full report
02:10 , Jane Dalton
Britain signs historic deal to deploy troops inside Ukraine - with Trump’s blessing
Ukraine unites Europe and US – Zelensky
00:50 , Jane DaltonUkraine has united Europe and America, President Volodymyr Zelensky said after the allies announced the security guarantee.
“Euro-Atlantic unity has proven its effectiveness and must be preserved for our shared interests and security. And together, we can achieve even more – Ukraine unites Europe and America,” he wrote on social media.
Euro-Atlantic unity has proven its effectiveness and must be preserved for our shared interests and security. And together, we can achieve even more – Ukraine unites Europe and America. pic.twitter.com/uuQViRGFMO
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 6, 2026
Germany could send troops to neighbouring countries
23:25 , Jane DaltonGermany could deploy troops in countries neighbouring Ukraine, chancellor Friedrich Merz has suggested.
"Every partner in the coalition must, under its own domestic procedures, decide in due course what contribution it will make... Germany will continue to contribute politically, financially, and militarily," he said after the security guarantees deal was announced.
"On the type and scope of a German contribution, the government and the German Bundestag must and will decide once the conditions (of the ceasefire) are clarified.
“That could include, for example, after a ceasefire, deploying forces for Ukraine on neighbouring Nato territory.
"We basically rule nothing out.”
Analysis: Managing Trump comes before international law for Starmer
22:15 , Jane Dalton
Why managing Trump is more important than defending international law for Starmer
In pictures: Coalition leaders announce deal
21:20 , Jane Dalton
Five key promises by coalition nations
21:00 , Jane DaltonAccording to the Elysee, the Paris declaration by the Coalition of the Willing agreed:
- To participate in a US-led "ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism"
- Ongoing efforts to arm Ukraine’s military, and to provide it with tactical support
- The pledge of French and British boots on the ground once the war is over
- "Binding commitments" to support Ukraine if there are armed attacks by Russia in future
- And a long-term commitment to deepen defence ties with Kyiv
Russia accused of attacking US company
20:35 , Jane Dalton
Russia accused of attacking US company hours before Ukraine peace talks
Trump strongly behind security guarantee, says Witkoff
20:05 , Jane DaltonDonald Trump "strongly stands behind" the security guarantee, his special envoy Steve Witkoff said.
"Those security protocols are meant to a) deter any further attacks in Ukraine, and b) if there are any attacks, they're meant to defend. And they will do both,” he said.
"They are as strong as anyone has ever seen."
Jared Kushner, Mr Trump's son-in-law and previously a senior adviser to his father-in-law, said the US president sought "a deal where both sides look to de-escalate".
He said: "You create a robust deterrence, you know, peace through strength, where it's unlikely that somebody will ever go and start this again."
Mr Kushner added: "This is a really important building block towards an eventual peace deal and I think that it's a big, big milestone that's reached today between the Europeans, with the Coalition of the Willing."
Air, land and sea support for military back-up against Russian attacks
19:47 , Jane DaltonNations in the “coalition of the willing” have pledged to back up front-line forces with air, land and sea support to deter any future Russian attack.
Leaders from European countries and Canada, as well as US representatives and top officials from the European Union and Nato, promised to provide Kyiv's front-line forces with equipment and training.
The size of the supporting forces was not made public, and many of the plan's details remain unclear.
Sir Keir Starmer said the meeting made excellent progress but cautioned that "the hardest yards are still ahead".
Agreement good for UK, says Starmer
19:43 , Jane DaltonThe prime minister hailed the security protocol agreement as providing defence for the UK.
“There's more work always to be done, but we've made some real progress today, and that is a good thing for Ukraine,” Sir Keir Starmer said.
“It's a good thing for Europe. It's a good thing for the United Kingdom because, of course, this is about our security, our defence, our freedoms, and the impact that it's already had over four long years on Ukraine, on Europe and back in the United Kingdom.”
Jared Kushner confirms Trump support for Coalition of the Willing
19:18 , David MaddoxA significant intervention by Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, at the press conference, confirming that the US president is now pleased with the plans to provide security guarantees for Ukraine.
He said: “America strongly, strongly, strongly stands behind those security guanrantees. The president does not back down from his commitments.”
This means that the US is at last giving its backing to the coalition of the willing, something that Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron have been begging the White House for.
Whether that means American troops would back up French and British ones in the event of a potential attack by Russia is still a moot point.
But nevertheless significant progress has been made.
Watch: UK and France pledge to send forces to Ukraine under any peace deal
19:16 , Jane DaltonSecurity protocols largely finished, says Witkoff
19:10 , Jane DaltonSecurity protocols for Ukraine are largely finished, US president Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said following the discussions with European countries.
“We look forward to more progress as a result of everything that's occurred today,” he said.
“We think we're largely finished with security protocols, which are important so that the people of Ukraine know that when this ends, it ends for ever.
“We also think critically that we are very, very close to finishing up as robust a prosperity agreement as any country has ever seen coming out of conflicts like this.”
Macron and Starmer take important step forward with military commitment
19:01 , David MaddoxKeir Starmer has just spelt out the significance of the talks in Paris today with a confirmation that the UK and France will “create military hubs in Ukraine” in the event of a ceasefire in the war with Russia.
Earlier President Emmanuel Macron has said that “significant progress” had been made with the coalition of the willing plan.
But the presence of the Trump administration at the talks lengths strength to the decisions made today.
Macron and Starmer though have made an important step forward by finally leading the way in committing military forces to guarantee Ukraine’s security even though it will be Ukrainian forces still on the front line.
Starmer: The hardest yards are still ahead
18:50 , Daniel KeaneUK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says that “the hardest yards are still ahead” to achieve peace in Ukraine.
He says the work of the Coalition is now “more advanced than ever”, and calls the declaration of intent “a vital part” of the peace process.
“Following a ceasefire, the UK and France will establish military hubs across Ukraine and build protected facilties to support Ukraine’s defensive needs.”
He says the UK will also participate in monitoring of a ceasefire.
Zelensky hails progress with Witkoff and Kushner
18:46 , Daniel KeaneZelensky says progress was made with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who represented the US at today’s talks.
“We are grateful for US support... and we agree that security guarantees must be based on legal grounds that will be confirmed by Congress.”
He adds that the main issue that must be worked on with the US remains territory.
Zelensky says details of Coalition of Willing forces 'still being worked out'
18:43 , Daniel KeaneUkraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky says the declaration of intent is “concrete” and illustrates “the willingness of Europe to work for peace”.
“We want to be ready so that when diplomacy reaches peace, we can place the forces of the Coalition of the Willing. The details will be set out in other documents, we are seeking other countries who wish to contribute.”
Ukraine's allies sign 'declaration of intent' to deploy forces in event of peace, announces Macron
18:37 , Daniel KeaneThe press conference for the Coalition of the Willing has begun in Paris.
France’s president Emmanuel Macron says that France, Britain and Ukraine have signed a “declaration of intent” to deploy multinational forces in Ukraine.
He says this will provide Kyiv with “strong” security guarantees in the event of a peace deal.
EU to support peace in Ukraine with military missions on the ground
18:19 , Jane DaltonEU Council President Antonio Costa has said that the European Union (EU) is ready to support a peace deal in Ukraine with civilian and military missions on the ground.
"We will assist with our civilian and military EU missions on the ground. Ukraine must be in the strongest possible position before, during, and after any ceasefire," he said after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris during a summit of the Coalition of the Willing.
We are expecting more lines any minute now from a press conference in Paris.
Pictured: The Coalition of the Willing in Paris
18:00 , Jane DaltonHere is one of the first group photos to be released of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris.
Press conference expected shortly
17:34 , Jane DaltonUkraine's allies in the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ have been meeting in Paris today to discuss security guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a peace deal.
U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner have attended the talks at the Elysee Palace, which began earlier this afternoon.
We are expecting a press conference featuring the leaders to begin at 5.45pm.
Ukraine conducts 'secret strikes' on ammunition depot deep inside Russia
17:20 , Daniel KeaneUkraine’s secret service has conducted strikes on an ammunition depot and oil facility deep inside Russia, according to a report.
The Kyiv Independent reports that long-range drones operated by Alpha special forces struck a large Russian arsenal near the town of Neya in Kostroma Oblast.
Explosions from the secondary detonations of ammunition at the depot "rang out all night”, according to the newspaper.
Comment: Why managing Trump is far more important than defending international law for Starmer
16:53 , Jane DaltonAs world leaders gather in Paris for a summit on Ukraine, the dilemma of how to handle Trump’s ego remains a key problem – one which the PM could have the solution for, writes political editor David Maddox.
Why managing Trump is more important than defending international law for Starmer
Five key priorities in Paris talks
16:23 , Jane DaltonParticipants in the Paris talks are seeking concrete outcomes on five key priorities once fighting ends.
But prospects for progress are uncertain, with the Trump administration's focus shifting.
Progress for Ukraine talks in Paris uncertain with US focus shifting to Venezuela
Zelensky replaces Ukraine’s security chief ahead of Paris peace talks
15:15 , Maira ButtPresident Volodymyr Zelensky replaced the head of Ukraine’s security service Monday, continuing a top-level reshuffle ahead of a trip to Paris where he hoped to finalize agreements with allies on how to ensure that Russia doesn’t repeat its invasion if a peace agreement is signed.
Zelensky is trying to revamp his administration as the grinding war of attrition with Russia marks its fourth anniversary next month. He is keen to keep up the momentum of U.S.-led peace talks as well as sharpen Ukraine’s focus on defense if those efforts collapse.
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Zelensky replaces Ukraine’s security chief ahead of Paris peace talks
In pictures: World leaders gather to support Ukraine at Paris peace talks
14:45 , Maira ButtBritish prime minister Keir Starmer, French president Emmanuel Macron, Polish leader Donald Tusk, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Denmark’s prime minister Mette Frederiksen arrived in Paris on Tuesday to discuss the future of Ukraine
Zelensky and Macron discuss strengthening Ukrainian defences against Russia
14:30 , Maira ButtPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has shared the details of a conversation with French president Emmanuel Macron, ahead of peace talks in Paris on Tuesday.
“Diplomacy and real assistance must go hand in hand,” he wrote on X ahead of the Coalition of the Willing’s talks.
“Russia does not stop its strikes against our country, and right now we need to bolster air defence to protect our people, our communities, and critical infrastructure.”
Russia faces formidable 'invisible army' if Ukraine is forced to cede territory
14:00 , Maira ButtCivilians operating as part of a pro-Ukrainian underground resistance group could pose a threat to Russia if Ukraine is forced to cede territory, according to The Telegraph.
Members of Atesh told the publication that there are at least 2,000 fighters involved in the operations, which include disruption of transport infrastructure.
Russia has designated the group a “terrorist” organisation.
“I’m not a soldier and not a hero,” one agent said.
“This is my land … and we will not let them erase the part of Ukraine that still lives inside people here.”
Russia has been targeting US businesses in Ukraine, says minister
13:30 , Maira ButtRussian forces are targeting US businesses in Ukraine, the country’s foreign minister said after a strike on major US agricultural producer Bunge in the southeastern city of Dnipro.
“This attack was not a mistake, it was deliberate, as the Russians attempted to strike this facility multiple times," Andrii Sybiha wrote on X.
“Russia has been targeting American businesses in Ukraine systemically,” he said.
Sybiha said the attack demonstrated Russian president Vladimir Putin's "complete disregard for US-led peace efforts in Ukraine.
Fire breaks out at Russian oil depot after Ukraine strike, says Kyiv
13:01 , Maira ButtUkrainian forces have struck an oil depot in the Russian region of Lipetsk, according to a statement by Kyiv’s security service on Tuesday.
Missile and ammunition arsenals in the Kostroma region were also hit in the long-range drone attacks.
A fire broke out at the oil depot and powerful explosions took place at the arsenal because of the attacks, said the official.
Zelensky arrives in Paris for peace talks
12:30 , Maira Butt
European leaders warn Trump Greenland ‘belongs to its people’ after president’s threats
12:02 , Sam RkainaEuropean leaders have warned the US that Greenland “belongs to its people” in a joint statement released on Tuesday.
It comes after President Donald Trump said that Greenland’s annexation would be imminent, saying he wanted the Arctic territory “right now”.
“It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.
“Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe and it is critical for international and transatlantic security. Nato has made clear that the Arctic region is a priority and European Allies are stepping up.
“We and many other Allies have increased our presence, activities and investments, to keep the Arctic safe and to deter adversaries. The Kingdom of Denmark - including Greenland - is part of Nato.”
Ukraine security guarantees will include 'binding commitments', says draft statement by Coalition of the Willing
11:57 , Maira ButtA draft statement prepared by the Coalition of the Willing reveals that European countries will be under “binding” obligations to support Ukraine from further attacks from Russia. The agreement is to be approved at a summit of the group’s leaders in Paris on Tuesday.
“These commitments may include the use of military capabilities, intelligence and logistical support, diplomatic initiatives, adoption of additional sanctions,” said the draft statement.
Watch: Russia calls on US to 'immediately release' Venezuela’s Maduro at UN Security Council
11:30 , Maira ButtRussia has called on the US to immediately release Maduro during a meeting of the UN Security Council. The UNSC met after the US captured the Venezuelan president in a move UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said set a “dangerous precedent”. Russia backed Colombia in requesting the meeting of the 15-member council, diplomats said.
Kushner and Witkoff arrive for Paris peace talks
11:02 , Maira ButtSteve Witkoff, US special envoy to the Middle East, has arrived at the Elysee Palace for peace talks Paris, France. He is joined by President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
Leaders from around 30 countries are meeting on Tuesday to discuss military support for Ukraine, amid ongoing negotiations on a US-brokered peace plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine.
US plans to intercept Russian-flagged carrying Venezuelan crude oil, say reports
10:40 , Maira ButtThe US military plans to intercept an evading oil tanker that carried Venezuelan crude oil sanctioned by the Treasury, two US officials are reported to have told CBS.
The boat, dubbed the Marinera, a crude oil tanker previously known as Bella 1, has been pursued by US forces for weeks.
However, the ship is now sailing under the Russian flag causing complications amid delicate ongoing peace talks.
The discussions are reported to have taken place before the capture of Maduro on Saturday.
Two US intelligence officials told the publication that Venezuelan officials had discussed placing armed personnel on the tankers, disguised as civilians.
Ukraine to counter Russian aggression with tech, says Zelensky
10:10 , Maira ButtUkrainian president Zelensky said on Monday that Ukraine would counter Russian aggression by improving its technological capabilities as he prepared to welcome a new defence minister focused on innovation.
“We discussed with Mykhailo Fedorov the way the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine operates. The core principle is that the technological capacity of our defense must save the lives of our warriors,” he wrote on social media.
“Russia has one significant advantage in this war – the ability to apply pressure through the scale of its strikes and assaults against Ukraine. We must respond with more active use of technology, faster development of new types of weapons, and new tactics.”
Russian war casualties rise by nearly 1,000 in last day, says Ukraine
09:40 , Maira ButtThe Ukrainian military has reported that Russia’s combat losses have increased by nearly 1,000 over the last day.
In an update on Tuesday, the General Staff of the Ukrainian armed forces reported that the Russian military had suffered 940 casualties.
It estimated that there have been over 1.2 million Russian casualties since the country’s incursion into Ukraine in February 2022.
Analysis: Why managing Trump is far more important than defending international law for Starmer
09:10 , Maira ButtIt’s not often that you have a cabinet minister say the quiet bit out loud. But in his candid interview to the Today Programme on Tuesday morning, Wes Streeting summed up the dilemma that the UK and the rest of Europe faces in dealing with Donald Trump.
On one hand, they want to defend an international rules based order and can see perfectly well that the US’s military strike on Venezuela and capture of president Nicola Maduro was likely to have been illegal.
On the other hand, they do not want to poke the bear and anger Trump into doing something rash which harms them.
The Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Why managing Trump is more important than defending international law for Starmer
Trump backtracks and says Ukraine did not attack Putin residence after US checks
08:39 , Maira ButtPresident Donald Trump has backtracked after initially saying he was “very angry” at reports that Ukraine had attacked President Vladimir Putin’s presidential residence in Valdai.
He has now said: “I don’t believe that strike happened”, after American officials conducted checks to determine whether the alleged drone incursion took place.
“We don't believe that happened, now that we've been able to check,” he said.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously called the claims a “complete fabrication”.
