Britain and France Plan to Send Forces to the Country in the event that a Peace Agreement is Reached

The UK and France have inked a memorandum of understanding concerning the stationing of armed personnel in the nation in the event a ceasefire be struck with Russia, the British leader, Sir Keir Starmer, has stated.

After talks with Ukraine's allies in Paris, he noted that the UK and France would "establish operational bases across Ukraine and erect secure structures for arms and equipment" to discourage any subsequent attack.

The partner countries also suggested that the US would assume leadership in overseeing a truce.

Russia has on multiple occasions stated that any external forces in Ukraine would be considered a "legitimate target", but has so far not issued a statement on this recent declaration.

Background and Ongoing War

The Kremlin's head Vladimir Putin initiated a comprehensive attack of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russia at this time holds about 20% of the country's land.

"This is a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future," stated the British leader.

Top officials and top officials from the "Allied Coalition" participated in the Paris negotiations.

Speaking at a shared media briefing, the Prime Minister further said: "It paves the way for the legal framework under which British, French, and partner forces could work on Ukrainian soil, defending Ukraine's airspace and waters, and restoring Ukraine's armed forces for the future."

The UK prime minister went on to say that the UK would participate in any Washington-directed confirmation of a prospective cessation of hostilities.

Defense Assurances and Negotiation Stances

Top American diplomat Steve Witkoff stated that "lasting safety pledges and substantial prosperity commitments are vital to a permanent resolution" in Ukraine – referring to a key demand made by the Ukrainian government.

He noted the allies had "largely finished" their work on establishing such assurances "to ensure the citizens of Ukraine know that when this hostilities ends, it ends forever."

Donald Trump's son-in-law, ex-President Donald Trump's advisor, also took part in the discussions.

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron declared that Ukraine's supporters had made "considerable headway" at the talks.

He said that "comprehensive" safety pledges for Ukraine had been reached in the event of a potential truce.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that a "major advance" had been made in Paris, but cautioned that he would only view efforts to be "adequate" if they resulted in the conclusion of the conflict.

Earlier, Zelensky said a peace deal was "90% ready". Settling the outstanding 10% would "decide the future of peace, the destiny of Ukraine and Europe".

Outstanding Matters

• Sovereign soil and defense assurances have been at the center of unresolved issues for diplomats.
• Moscow has repeatedly warned that Kyiv's military must withdraw from the entirety of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region or Russia will occupy it, refusing any concession over how to end the war.
• Zelensky has thus far excluded ceding any territory, but has floated the idea that Ukraine could move its troops to an agreed point – but only if Russia reciprocates.

Moscow currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk oblast and around 99% of the bordering Luhansk. The areas form the area of Donbas.

The earlier US-led comprehensive framework that was widely leaked to the media last year was seen by Ukraine and its EU supporters as being heavily skewed in Moscow's direction.

This led to a period of intensive diplomacy – with Ukraine, the US and European leaders trying to revise the proposal.

Recently, Kyiv presented the US an revised framework – as well as distinct documents outlining potential defense assurances and arrangements for Ukraine's rebuilding, Zelensky said.