Britain and France Plan to Send Forces to Ukraine should a Peace Agreement is Reached

The UK and France have signed a declaration of intent concerning the stationing of military forces in the nation should a ceasefire be made with Moscow, the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has declared.

After talks with Ukraine's allies in Paris, he noted that the UK and France would "set up military hubs across Ukraine and construct protected structures for weapons and military equipment" to discourage any potential invasion.

The coalition members also put forward that the US would play the primary role in monitoring a ceasefire.

Moscow has on multiple occasions warned that any external forces in Ukraine would be considered a "legitimate target", but has not yet issued a statement on this new announcement.

The Situation and Continuing War

Russian President Vladimir Putin began a major offensive of Ukraine in early 2022, and Russian forces currently controls approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.

"This is a vital part of our commitment to be alongside Ukraine for the long-term," commented the British leader.

Top officials and senior officials from the "Partner Group" participated in Tuesday's talks.

He stated at a combined announcement, the Prime Minister added: "It paves the way for the legal framework under which British, French, and partner forces could function on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's defense capabilities for the years ahead."

The UK prime minister went on to say that Britain would be involved in any American-headed verification of a possible truce.

Security Guarantees and Diplomatic Positions

Senior Washington representative Steve Witkoff remarked that "durable safety pledges and robust reconstruction vows are essential to a enduring ceasefire" in Ukraine – mentioning a central condition made by the Ukrainian government.

He said the partner nations had "largely finished" their work on finalizing such guarantees "so that the people of Ukraine know that when this war ends, it ends forever."

Jared Kushner, ex-President Donald Trump's special envoy, also participated in the negotiations.

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron declared that Ukraine's allies had made "major advances" at the meeting.

He said that "robust" security guarantees for the Ukrainian government had been reached in the instance of a possible ceasefire.

Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky commented that a "major development" had been made in the negotiations, but cautioned that he would only view efforts to be "sufficient" if they culminated in the cessation of the war.

Last week, the Ukrainian leader indicated a settlement was "90% ready". Settling the last 10% would "shape the outcome of the peace, the destiny of Ukraine and Europe".

Outstanding Matters

• Land and defense assurances have been at the forefront of ongoing disputes for negotiators.
• Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukraine's forces must retreat from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region or Russia will occupy it, refusing any middle ground over how to conclude the war.
• Zelensky has so far rejected surrendering any territory, but has floated the idea that Ukraine could pull back its troops to an agreed point – but only if Russia does the same.

Russian forces presently controls about 75% of the Donetsk oblast and some 99% of the bordering Luhansk region. The two regions form the area of the Donbas.

The earlier US-led 28-point framework that was circulated to the media last year was perceived by Kyiv and its European allies as being disproportionately favorable in Moscow's favor.

This triggered a period of intensive discussions – with Ukraine, the US and European leaders trying to amend the draft.

Last month, Ukraine submitted the US an updated proposal – as well as separate documents outlining potential defense assurances and plans for Ukraine's recovery, he said.