Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans for a new state-of-the-art headquarters for countries that are part of a "coalition of the willing" preparing to enforce a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. The Prime Minister co-hosted a press conference with French president Emmanuel Macron as the pair concluded this week’s state visit.

In an announcement following a virtual meeting of the coalition of the willing, the Government has announced that the body will have a new permanent headquarters in Paris for the next 12 months, before rotating to London in summer 2026. The new HQ will be the home for preparations, which could mean British troops are sent to patrol the Ukraine-Russian border in the event of a peace agreement. Leaders agreed that planning will continue on an “enduring, business-as-usual footing” to ensure that a force can deploy in the days following the cessation of hostilities.

The virtual meeting saw the PM and Mr Macron host Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, US special presidential envoy Gen Keith Kellogg, Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Richard Blumenthal.

Military chiefs outlined recent coalition of the willing progress, including the completion of reconnaissance visits to Ukraine.

The missions were made to form a plan of how to enforce a post-ceasefire force.

The newly boosted force will now begin preparations on three key areas: regenerating Ukraine’s land forces, securing Ukraine’s skies with coalition aircraft, and supporting safer seas.

Sir Keir said: “Supporting Ukraine is not just the right thing to do, it’s essential for delivering security at home.

“That is why the coalition of the willing is ensuring we have a future force that can deploy following a ceasefire to deter Russian aggression for years to come.

“But as we continue to prepare for peace, our focus must also be on making it happen. So, alongside our partners, in the coming days and weeks, we will step up our support to keep Ukraine in the fight now, increasing pressure on Putin through crippling sanctions and ensuring Ukraine’s armed forces have the equipment they need to defend their sovereign territory.

“I am clear that the more we do to counter Russia’s aggression, the safer we will keep the British people, our allies and the Euro-Atlantic area.”

Speaking this morning, Defence Secretary John Healey said Britain is ready to send troops to Ukrainian soil.

He was asked: “Does it still include the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine to support a ceasefire?”

Mr Healey said: “Yes. The Prime Minister has always been clear that he’s ready to put troops into Ukraine to help reinforce a ceasefire.”

There had been reports that the UK had abandoned plans to send a peace-keeping force to Ukraine because of US President Donald Trump’s reluctance to support the proposal. But the Defence Secretary’s comments show the idea has not been abandoned.

Mr Macron is in the UK on a state visit, and the British and French leaders will hold online talks with other world leaders later on Thursday.

The Defence Secretary also said that a force of 50,000 soldiers will be created to defend Europe, as the UK and France step up military co-operation.

The Franco-British summit on Thursday will discuss the two countries’ means of deterrence “in the face of extreme threats” in Europe, Mr Healey said.