‘Military hubs in Ukraine to prevent invasion’: What UK, France agreed on to protect Kyiv at 35-nation summit

The coalition talk was joined by the US in alignment with the transatlantic relations. The US envoy consisted of Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, and Steve Witkoff, US special envoy, as well as Washington’s top general in Europe, Alexus Grynkewich.

According to the statement released by Britain, the multinational force will act as a reassurance in the long run for Ukraine and the establishment of military hubs will build and protect facilities for Kyiv’s defence.

“The signing of the declaration paves the way for the legal framework to be established for French and UK forces to operate on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine’s skies and seas and building an armed forces fit for the future,” said Keir Starmer.

US efforts for peace in Ukraine

The US has agreed to lead a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism using drones, sensors and satellites but not US troops.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Multiple meetings with heads of various nations, including the US, have failed to yield results. In the latest effort to broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, US President Donald Trump floated a 20-point peace plan. This seemingly set the process rolling, but no agreement has been reached yet as Russia is unwilling to compromise on the control of Donbas.

Moscow controls 75 per cent of Donetsk and 99 per cent of the neighbouring Luhansk industrial regions. Previously Russia had mentioned that any foreign troops joining forces will be automatically labelled as a “legitimate target”.

The agenda for the Coalition of the Willing Paris meet was to join forces and develop a multi-national force to reassure security guarantees for Ukraine in the future in case of any attack.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this was a “huge step forward”. He thanked the leaders and states who were willing to be part of a “peaceful solution”.