British troops to be sent to Ukraine in event of peace deal to deter Putin

 British and French troops will be deployed to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal to deter Russia from future attacks.

Tonight, Keir Starmer said the UK and France would establish military hubs on Ukrainian soil and build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment to help Kyiv defend itself. The PM, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian leader Volodymr Zelensky signed a joint declaration in Paris to allow British and French boots on the ground after a ceasefire.

In a significant step forward, Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff said the US President has agreed to get behind the security guarantees - and was prepared to deter Russian attacks and even defend Ukraine if peace is breached.

A blueprint unveiled tonight for plans to guarantee peace, includes a multinational force for Ukraine led by European countries. Non-European countries could also be involved, with proposed support for the US. The declaration also includes participation in a US-led ceasefire monitoring, long-term support for the Ukrainian army and support for Kyiv to restore peace in any future Russian attack.

Mr Starmer said: "It's important we're starting the year like this - European and American allies, side by side with President Zelensky, standing for peace. And we are closer to that goal than ever. But of course, the hardest yards are still ahead."