UK and France Sign Historic Security Declaration for Ukraine

In a significant diplomatic move, the United Kingdom and France have signed a declaration that outlines a comprehensive framework for Ukraine’s security and a potential path toward lasting peace with Russia. This landmark agreement, signed in Paris by the Coalition of the Willing, represents one of the most concrete international commitments to Ukraine’s sovereignty since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022—an attack that triggered Europe’s largest conflict since World War II. The declaration establishes clear principles for any future peace settlement while emphasizing that Ukraine’s sovereignty and right to self-defense are non-negotiable elements.

The heart of the agreement involves the creation of a multinational security force that would be deployed to Ukraine once a ceasefire is established. This European-led force, with proposed American support, would serve both as a deterrent against renewed Russian aggression and as a supporting structure to help rebuild Ukraine’s military capabilities. This approach represents a significant shift in Western security strategy toward Ukraine, moving from primarily supplying weapons and intelligence to potentially providing boots on the ground in a post-ceasefire scenario. The declaration makes it clear that the international community sees Ukraine’s self-defense capabilities as essential not just for the country’s own security but for broader Euro-Atlantic stability.

Beyond the multinational force, the declaration outlines comprehensive security guarantees that would be activated once a ceasefire begins. These guarantees encompass military, diplomatic, and economic support in the event Russia launches another armed attack against Ukraine. The United States would play a pivotal role in this security architecture by leading a continuous ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism with contributions from partner nations. Additionally, the U.S. would participate in a special commission tasked with managing ceasefire violations, determining responsibility for any breaches, and developing appropriate responses. This represents a significant long-term commitment from Western powers to Ukraine’s security framework.

The agreement also emphasizes ongoing military support for Ukraine, with Coalition members pledging to maintain defense cooperation across multiple domains. This includes continued training of Ukrainian forces, collaboration on defense production, and intelligence sharing. Such commitments suggest that Western nations are preparing for a long-term security relationship with Ukraine rather than viewing the current crisis as a temporary challenge. In a move that institutionalizes this ongoing cooperation, the leaders announced the creation of a permanent coordination cell involving the United States, Ukraine, and Coalition members, to be headquartered in Paris. This structure will provide a dedicated forum for addressing evolving security challenges and implementing the declaration’s commitments.

The declaration was unveiled during a high-profile joint news conference featuring French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The presence of these three leaders underscored the significance of the agreement and the political weight behind it. The Paris talks were also attended by Jared Kushner and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, indicating American involvement in the process, though at a level below head of state. The timing of this declaration is particularly notable, coming as Ukraine faces continued Russian military pressure while international attention on the conflict has fluctuated with other global crises.

This agreement emerges within a complex diplomatic landscape where efforts to end the Ukraine-Russia conflict have faced numerous obstacles. The declaration’s emphasis on a framework “set in international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter” represents an attempt to establish clear parameters for any future negotiations. By identifying Ukraine’s sovereignty as non-negotiable and outlining specific security guarantees, the Coalition is signaling both to Ukraine and Russia the conditions under which Western powers would support a peace settlement. While the declaration represents a significant step forward in international support for Ukraine, its implementation will depend on numerous factors, including the evolution of the conflict on the ground, Russia’s willingness to engage in meaningful ceasefire discussions, and the sustained commitment of Coalition members to fulfill their pledged support.