UK and France Will Dispatch Forces to Ukraine should a Ceasefire Accord is Reached

The UK and France have signed a memorandum of understanding concerning the stationing of troops in Ukraine should a peace agreement be concluded with Russia, the Prime Minister of Britain, Keir Starmer, has announced.

Subsequent to discussions with Kyiv's partners in the French capital, he noted that the two nations would "establish defense centers in various parts of Ukraine and erect secure structures for arms and defense matériel" to prevent any potential attack.

The partner countries also put forward that the United States would play the primary role in verifying a ceasefire.

Russia has on multiple occasions stated that any non-Ukrainian military in Ukraine would be considered a "valid objective", but has as yet not commented on this latest declaration.

The Situation and Continuing Conflict

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

"This is a vital part of our commitment to be alongside Ukraine for the duration," commented Starmer.

Top officials and high-ranking officials from the "Allied Coalition" participated in the Paris negotiations.

Addressing reporters at a joint press conference, the Prime Minister added: "It creates the pathway for the operational parameters under which British, French, and partner forces could function on the ground in Ukraine, protecting Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the time to come."

The British leader went on to say that Britain would be involved in any US-led confirmation of a prospective truce.

Protection Pledges and Negotiation Stances

Senior Washington representative Steve Witkoff remarked that "durable security guarantees and substantial prosperity commitments are critical to a permanent resolution" in Ukraine – mentioning a key requirement made by the Ukrainian government.

The negotiator noted the allies had "largely finished" their work on finalizing such guarantees "to ensure the Ukrainian people know that when this hostilities ends, it ends for good."

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

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said that Ukraine's allies had made "significant advances" at the talks.

He noted that "comprehensive" security guarantees for Kyiv had been agreed in the case of a possible truce.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that a "major development" had been made in Paris, but cautioned that he would only consider efforts to be "adequate" if they culminated in the end of the conflict.

Earlier, Zelensky indicated a peace agreement was "90% ready". Agreeing on the outstanding 10% would "decide the fate of the peace, the destiny of Ukraine and Europe".

Outstanding Matters

• Sovereign soil and defense assurances have been at the center of unresolved issues for diplomats.
• Putin has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must pull back from the entirety of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region or Russia will occupy it, rejecting any middle ground over how to conclude the war.
• Kyiv has so far ruled out giving up any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could pull back its troops to an designated point – but only if Russia does the same.

Russia currently holds about 75% of the Donetsk region and around 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk region. The areas form the area of Donbas.

The earlier US-led comprehensive framework that was circulated to the media last year was viewed by Kyiv and its partners in Europe as being disproportionately favorable in Russia's favor.

This led to weeks of focused discussions – with the involved parties trying to amend the proposal.

Last month, Ukraine submitted the US an new framework – as well as distinct documents detailing prospective defense assurances and provisions for Ukraine's rebuilding, he said.