UK and France Will Dispatch Forces to Ukraine in the event that a Peace Agreement is Agreed

The London and Paris have inked a memorandum of understanding concerning the stationing of troops in Ukraine in the event a peace deal be concluded with Russia, the Prime Minister of Britain, Sir Keir Starmer, has announced.

After discussions with Ukraine's allies in Paris, he said that the allies would "set up operational bases throughout Ukraine and build fortified facilities for weapons and equipment" to discourage any subsequent attack.

The allied nations also suggested that the US would take the lead in monitoring a truce.

Russia has repeatedly warned that any external forces in Ukraine would be considered a "acceptable aim", but has as yet not responded on this latest development.

Background and Continuing War

Moscow's leader Vladimir Putin began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, and Russia at this time controls about 20% of Ukraine's sovereign soil.

"This constitutes a crucial element of our pledge to support Ukraine for the long-term," remarked Starmer.

National leaders and high-ranking officials from the "Coalition of the Willing" were involved in the recent discussions.

Addressing reporters at a combined announcement, the Prime Minister noted: "It establishes the framework for the juridical structure under which British, French, and partner forces could function on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the years ahead."

The British leader went on to say that the UK would take part in any American-headed verification of a possible cessation of hostilities.

Defense Assurances and Diplomatic Positions

Top American diplomat Steve Witkoff stated that "long-term safety pledges and robust reconstruction vows are essential to a permanent resolution" in Ukraine – mentioning a central condition made by Ukraine.

He said the partner nations had "substantially agreed on" their work on establishing such assurances "to ensure the people of Ukraine know that when this war ends, it ends permanently."

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

At the same time, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Ukraine's allies had made "major progress" at the talks.

He said that "comprehensive" defense assurances for Kyiv had been reached in the instance of a prospective truce.

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

Last week, he suggested a peace agreement was "90% ready". Finalizing the remaining 10% would "decide the fate of peace, the future of Ukraine and Europe".

Unresolved Issues

• Land and defense assurances have been at the heart of unresolved issues for the parties involved.
• The Russian President has often said that Ukrainian troops must pull back from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region or Russia will seize it, dismissing any compromise over how to conclude the war.
• Kyiv has so far rejected giving up any territory, but has floated the idea that Ukraine could pull back its forces to an designated point – but only if Russia reciprocates.

Russia currently occupies approximately 75% of the Donetsk region and some 99% of the bordering Luhansk region. The areas form the industrial region of the Donbas.

The original US-led comprehensive proposal that was circulated to the media last year was viewed by Ukraine and its partners in Europe as being disproportionately favorable in Russia's direction.

This sparked a period of intensive discussions – with all sides trying to adjust the document.

Recently, Kyiv submitted the US an updated proposal – as well as distinct documents describing prospective defense assurances and arrangements for Ukraine's recovery, the President added.