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

The UK and France have signed a memorandum of understanding concerning the positioning of military forces in Ukraine if a ceasefire be made with Moscow, the UK Prime Minister, Starmer, has stated.

Following discussions with allied nations in the French capital, he indicated that the allies would "set up military hubs across Ukraine and erect fortified structures for military hardware and defense matériel" to prevent any potential attack.

The partner countries also put forward that the America would take the lead in overseeing a ceasefire.

The Kremlin has consistently cautioned that any external forces in Ukraine would be considered a "valid objective", but has not yet issued a statement on this new declaration.

Context and Ongoing Hostilities

Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, and Russia at this time holds about 20% of Ukraine's sovereign soil.

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

Heads of state and senior officials from the "Coalition of the Willing" participated in the Paris negotiations.

Speaking at a shared media briefing, the Prime Minister noted: "It creates the pathway for the operational parameters under which allied and coalition forces could function on Ukraine's territory, defending Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's defense capabilities for the years ahead."

The PM added that London would take part in any US-led verification of a potential truce.

Defense Assurances and Negotiation Stances

Lead American diplomat Steve Witkoff stated that "lasting defense assurances and robust prosperity commitments are critical to a permanent resolution" in Ukraine – mentioning a major condition made by the Ukrainian government.

Witkoff said the partner nations had "mostly completed" their work on finalizing such pledges "in order that the Ukrainian people know that when this hostilities ends, it ends for good."

The former US envoy, former American President Donald Trump's representative, also took part in the discussions.

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

He added that "comprehensive" safety pledges for Kyiv had been agreed in the instance of a prospective truce.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a "significant development" had been made in Paris, but cautioned that he would only view efforts to be "sufficient" if they resulted in the conclusion of the conflict.

Last week, the Ukrainian leader indicated a settlement was "mostly finalized". Agreeing on the outstanding 10% would "shape the fate of peace, the future of Ukraine and Europe".

Outstanding Matters

• Sovereign soil and security guarantees have been at the center of unresolved issues for the parties involved.
• Moscow has consistently stated that Kyiv's military must withdraw from the entirety of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region or Russia will seize it, refusing any compromise over how to end the war.
• Zelensky has so far ruled out surrendering any territory, but has floated the idea that Ukraine could move its forces to an designated point – but only if Russia follows suit.

Russia presently controls about 75% of the Donetsk region and some 99% of the bordering Luhansk. The areas form the heartland of the Donbas.

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

This triggered weeks of intensive negotiations – with all sides trying to revise the proposal.

Last month, Ukraine presented the US an new proposal – as well as additional documents outlining possible security guarantees and plans for Ukraine's reconstruction, Zelensky added.