Starmer set to send UK troops to Ukraine – but on one condition

UK troops will take on a peacekeeping role in Ukraine. But only if a deal is signed with Russia. The UK signed up to potential deployments on 6 January 2026. The agreement was made in Paris at a meeting of Ukraine’s European allies.

UK troops in Ukraine

The deal means the UK effectively agreed to deploy peacekeeping forces. But covert units have been in Ukraine since the start of the war.

Starmer told reporters:

 We signed a declaration of intent on the deployment of forces to Ukraie in the event of a peace deal.

This is a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term.

Starmer said it was a step towards security and regeneration:

It paves the way for the legal framework under which British, French, and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine’s skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine’s armed forces for the future.

Split support and dirty wars

Russia invaded Ukraine in 2021. Since then, over one million people have been killed or injured. And the Trump administration is pushing for a quick resolution. Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky used his new year address to say a peace deal is 90% ready.

But it’s more complicated than just signing a deal. European states have split on deploying troops into the country:

Italy’s Georgia Meloni and Poland’s Donald Tusk said after the talks that their nations would not contribute troops to any mission to Ukraine. German chancellor Friedrich Merz said German troops could contribute to a force, but would be based in neighbouring countries, not inside Ukraine.

The truth is that UK already has troops in Ukraine. In fact, special and elite forces have been working inside Ukraine for years. A British soldier died in Ukraine in December 2025. George Hooley was there testing a drone interception system.

Yet SAS troops have been in Ukraine since 2021. Ukrainian forces have been train by the SAS. The secret soldier have reportedly carried out assassinations too. Keir Starmer has made no mention of how many troops will deploy. Emmanuel Macron has made no comment either. Ultimately, their exact role remains a mystery too.

Featured image via the Canary