The United Kingdom and France Plan to Send Forces to Ukraine should a Peace Deal is Finalized

The British and French governments have signed a declaration of intent concerning the stationing of troops in Ukraine in the event a peace agreement be made with Moscow, the British leader, Starmer, has stated.

Following discussions with Kyiv's partners in Paris, he noted that the two nations would "set up military hubs in various parts of Ukraine and erect secure installations for military hardware and military equipment" to discourage any potential invasion.

The allied nations also suggested that the United States would assume leadership in monitoring a ceasefire.

Russia has consistently stated that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be considered a "valid objective", but has not yet commented on this recent declaration.

Background and Ongoing Hostilities

Russian President Vladimir Putin began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the start of last year, and Russia at this time holds about 20% of Ukraine's sovereign soil.

"This is a vital part of our pledge to stand with Ukraine for the long-term," stated the British leader.

National leaders and top officials from the "Allied Coalition" took part in the recent discussions.

Addressing reporters at a shared media briefing, Starmer added: "It establishes the framework for the legal framework under which British, French, and partner forces could work on Ukraine's territory, defending Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's defense capabilities for the future."

The PM also stated that the UK would take part in any American-headed verification of a possible cessation of hostilities.

Protection Pledges and Negotiation Stances

Top US negotiator Steve Witkoff stated that "durable safety pledges and robust prosperity commitments are critical to a enduring ceasefire" in Ukraine – referring to a key condition made by the Ukrainian government.

The negotiator noted the coalition had "mostly completed" their work on agreeing such pledges "in order that the people of Ukraine know that when this hostilities ends, it ends permanently."

The former US envoy, former American President Donald Trump's advisor, also participated in the negotiations.

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Ukraine's allies had made "significant headway" at the meeting.

He said that "strong" security guarantees for the Ukrainian government had been agreed in the case of a prospective truce.

Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky commented that a "major step forward" had been made in the talks, but cautioned that he would only deem efforts to be "adequate" if they culminated in the end of the war.

Last week, Zelensky said a peace agreement was "90% ready". Finalizing the last 10% would "shape the outcome of the agreement, the future of Ukraine and Europe".

Remaining Challenges

• Land and defense assurances have been at the heart of ongoing disputes for the parties involved.
• Moscow has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, refusing any middle ground over how to conclude the war.
• Kyiv has thus far ruled out ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could move its troops to an agreed point – but only if Russia reciprocates.

Russia presently holds about 75% of the Donetsk oblast and around 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The areas form the heartland of Donbas.

The initial US-led multi-point framework that was extensively reported to the media last year was perceived by Ukraine and its partners in Europe as being heavily skewed in Russia's direction.

This sparked weeks of high-level negotiations – with all sides trying to revise the document.

Last month, The Ukrainian government submitted the US an updated framework – as well as distinct documents detailing prospective defense assurances and plans for Ukraine's recovery, he stated.