UK and France to Deploy Forces to Ukraine if a Ceasefire Accord is Reached

The British and French governments have signed a statement of purpose concerning the stationing of troops in Ukraine in the event a peace deal be made with Moscow, the British leader, Starmer, has declared.

Following discussions with allied nations in the French capital, he noted that the two nations would "set up operational bases in various parts of Ukraine and erect secure facilities for arms and defense matériel" to deter any subsequent incursion.

The coalition members also put forward that the America would assume leadership in overseeing a halt in hostilities.

The Kremlin has repeatedly cautioned that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be considered a "acceptable aim", but has so far not responded on this recent declaration.

Background and Continuing Hostilities

Russian President Vladimir Putin began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow at this time occupies about 20% of Ukrainian territory.

"This constitutes a crucial element of our commitment to be alongside Ukraine for the duration," commented the UK Prime Minister.

National leaders and high-ranking officials from the "Allied Coalition" took part in the Paris negotiations.

Speaking at a shared media briefing, he noted: "It paves the way for the legal framework under which British, French, and partner forces could work on the ground in Ukraine, defending Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the time to come."

The British leader also stated that London would be involved in any American-headed monitoring of a possible cessation of hostilities.

Protection Pledges and Diplomatic Positions

Top US negotiator Steve Witkoff stated that "lasting safety pledges and substantial economic promises are critical to a lasting peace" in Ukraine – alluding to a major demand made by the Ukrainian government.

Witkoff indicated the partner nations had "substantially agreed on" their work on finalizing such guarantees "to ensure the citizens of Ukraine know that when this war ends, it ends for good."

Jared Kushner, former American President Donald Trump's representative, also took part in the negotiations.

Meanwhile, President Macron Emmanuel Macron stated that Ukraine's supporters had made "major advances" at the meeting.

He said that "strong" defense assurances for Kyiv had been reached in the event of a possible ceasefire.

President Volodymyr Zelensky commented that a "huge step forward" had been made in the negotiations, but added that he would only view efforts to be "adequate" if they culminated in the end of the fighting.

Recently, Zelensky indicated a peace deal was "largely prepared". Settling the remaining 10% would "determine the fate of the peace, the future of Ukraine and Europe".

Outstanding Matters

• Land and defense assurances have been at the center of unresolved issues for negotiators.
• The Russian President has often said that Kyiv's military must withdraw from the entirety of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will occupy it, rejecting any middle ground over how to conclude the war.
• The Ukrainian President has to date ruled out surrendering any land, but has proposed that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an agreed point – but only if Russia reciprocates.

Moscow presently controls about 75% of the Donetsk oblast and around 99% of the bordering Luhansk. The pair of oblasts form the heartland of Donbas.

The earlier US-led comprehensive peace plan that was extensively reported to the media last year was viewed by Ukraine and its partners in Europe as being strongly biased in Russia's favor.

This sparked a period of focused diplomacy – with Ukraine, the US and European leaders trying to amend the document.

Last month, The Ukrainian government presented the US an new 20-point plan – as well as distinct documents detailing possible defense assurances and arrangements for Ukraine's recovery, Zelensky stated.