The United Kingdom and France Plan to Send Troops to the Country in the event that a Peace Agreement is Finalized

The British and French governments have formalized a memorandum of understanding concerning the stationing of military forces in Ukraine should a ceasefire be concluded with Moscow, the Prime Minister of Britain, Starmer, has stated.

Subsequent to discussions with Kyiv's partners in Paris, he noted that the allies would "create defense centers across Ukraine and build fortified structures for military hardware and equipment" to prevent any future incursion.

The partner countries also proposed that the United States would take the lead in monitoring a halt in hostilities.

Russia has consistently cautioned that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be considered a "acceptable aim", but has not yet commented on this new development.

Context and Continuing Hostilities

The Kremlin's head Vladimir Putin began a major offensive of Ukraine in early 2022, and Russia at this time holds about 20% of the country's land.

"This is a vital part of our pledge to support Ukraine for the foreseeable future," remarked Starmer.

National leaders and top officials from the "Allied Coalition" participated in Tuesday's talks.

Addressing reporters at a joint press conference, Starmer further said: "It paves the way for the juridical structure under which British, French, and partner forces could function on Ukraine's territory, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding Ukraine's defense capabilities for the years ahead."

The UK prime minister added that London would participate in any Washington-directed confirmation of a possible cessation of hostilities.

Security Guarantees and Diplomatic Positions

Top Washington representative Steve Witkoff stated that "lasting defense assurances and strong prosperity commitments are vital to a permanent resolution" in Ukraine – alluding to a key condition made by Kyiv.

The negotiator indicated the allies had "largely finished" their work on finalizing such guarantees "to ensure the Ukrainian people know that when this conflict ends, it ends permanently."

Donald Trump's son-in-law, former American President Donald Trump's special envoy, also participated in the negotiations.

At the same time, President Macron Emmanuel Macron declared that Ukraine's partners had made "significant advances" at the talks.

He added that "strong" safety pledges for Kyiv had been reached in the instance of a prospective truce.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that a "major development" had been made in Paris, but added that he would only consider efforts to be "adequate" if they resulted in the cessation of the conflict.

Recently, Zelensky indicated a settlement was "90% ready". Settling the remaining 10% would "determine the future of the peace, the future of Ukraine and Europe".

Outstanding Matters

• Sovereign soil and security guarantees have been at the center of unresolved issues for diplomats.
• Putin has consistently stated that Ukraine's forces must pull back from the entirety of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region or Russia will occupy it, rejecting any middle ground over how to finish the war.
• Zelensky has thus far ruled out giving up any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could move its forces to an mutually accepted point – but only if Russia does the same.

Moscow presently occupies approximately 75% of the Donetsk oblast and around 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk region. The pair of oblasts form the area of Donbas.

The original US-led multi-point proposal that was widely leaked to the media last year was viewed by Ukraine and its partners in Europe as being disproportionately favorable in Russia's favor.

This sparked weeks of focused negotiations – with Ukraine, the US and European leaders trying to amend the proposal.

Recently, The Ukrainian government presented the US an updated 20-point plan – as well as distinct documents outlining possible defense assurances and provisions for Ukraine's rebuilding, he added.