The United Kingdom and France Will Dispatch Forces to Ukraine if a Peace Agreement is Reached

The British and French governments have formalized a declaration of intent concerning the deployment of troops in Ukraine in the event a peace deal be made with Russia, the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has declared.

After discussions with Ukraine's allies in Paris, he noted that the two nations would "create defense centers in various parts of Ukraine and erect fortified structures for military hardware and defense matériel" to deter any subsequent incursion.

The partner countries also suggested that the US would play the primary role in overseeing a halt in hostilities.

Russia has repeatedly stated that any non-Ukrainian military in Ukraine would be considered a "acceptable aim", but has so far not commented on this latest declaration.

The Situation and Continuing Conflict

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

"This represents an essential component of our commitment to be alongside Ukraine for the duration," remarked the British leader.

National leaders and top officials from the "Partner Group" were involved in the recent discussions.

Addressing reporters at a joint press conference, he added: "It creates the pathway for the juridical structure under which allied and coalition forces could operate on the ground in Ukraine, protecting Ukraine's skies and seas, and restoring Ukraine's defense capabilities for the future."

The UK prime minister added that London would participate in any US-led verification of a possible truce.

Security Guarantees and Negotiation Stances

Senior American diplomat Steve Witkoff stated that "long-term security guarantees and substantial reconstruction vows are critical to a lasting peace" in Ukraine – alluding to a major requirement made by the Ukrainian government.

He noted the allies had "substantially agreed on" their work on finalizing such guarantees "in order that the citizens of Ukraine know that when this hostilities ends, it ends for good."

Donald Trump's son-in-law, US President Donald Trump's advisor, also participated in the talks.

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

He said that "comprehensive" security guarantees for Kyiv had been reached in the event of a potential ceasefire.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that a "major development" had been made in the talks, but added that he would only consider efforts to be "enough" if they resulted in the cessation of the fighting.

Recently, the Ukrainian leader suggested a peace agreement was "mostly finalized". Finalizing the remaining 10% would "decide the fate of peace, the destiny of Ukraine and Europe".

Outstanding Matters

• Territory and security guarantees have been at the forefront of ongoing disputes for diplomats.
• Moscow has often said that Kyiv's military must withdraw from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will take control, refusing any concession over how to end the war.
• The Ukrainian President has to date excluded ceding any land, but has proposed that Ukraine could move its forces to an designated point – but only if Russia follows suit.

Moscow presently occupies about 75% of the Donetsk oblast and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The two regions form the industrial region of Donbas.

The earlier US-led 28-point proposal that was extensively reported to the media last year was perceived by Ukraine and its European allies as being heavily skewed in Moscow's direction.

This triggered weeks of high-level discussions – with all sides trying to adjust the document.

Recently, Kyiv submitted the US an updated proposal – as well as distinct documents outlining possible defense assurances and plans for Ukraine's recovery, he stated.