UK and France to Deploy Troops to the Country if a Peace Deal is Finalized

The UK and France have signed a declaration of intent concerning the positioning of armed personnel in Ukraine if a peace deal be concluded with Russia, the UK Prime Minister, Starmer, has stated.

Subsequent to discussions with allied nations in the French capital, he indicated that the allies would "set up defense centers in various parts of Ukraine and construct protected facilities for military hardware and equipment" to prevent any subsequent attack.

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

Moscow has on multiple occasions stated that any non-Ukrainian military in Ukraine would be considered a "valid objective", but has not yet responded on this new development.

Context and Ongoing War

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the start of last year, and Russian forces currently occupies about 20% of Ukrainian territory.

"This constitutes a crucial element of our pledge to stand with Ukraine for the duration," commented the UK Prime Minister.

National leaders and top officials from the "Partner Group" participated in Tuesday's talks.

He stated at a combined announcement, he further said: "It creates the pathway for the operational parameters under which British, French, and partner forces could function on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukraine's skies and seas, and restoring Ukraine's defense capabilities for the time to come."

The UK prime minister added that the UK would participate in any Washington-directed verification of a potential cessation of hostilities.

Protection Pledges and Negotiation Stances

Senior American diplomat Steve Witkoff remarked that "lasting defense assurances and robust prosperity commitments are critical to a enduring ceasefire" in Ukraine – mentioning a key demand made by Ukraine.

The negotiator noted the partner nations had "largely finished" their work on finalizing such assurances "so that the people of Ukraine know that when this conflict ends, it ends permanently."

Donald Trump's son-in-law, former American President Donald Trump's special envoy, also took part in the discussions.

At the same time, French President Emmanuel Macron said that Ukraine's partners had made "major headway" at the negotiations.

He noted that "robust" security guarantees for Ukraine had been reached in the event of a possible ceasefire.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that a "major advance" had been made in the negotiations, but cautioned that he would only deem efforts to be "sufficient" if they resulted in the end of the war.

Last week, he suggested a peace agreement was "90% ready". Settling the last 10% would "determine the future of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe".

Outstanding Matters

• Territory and security guarantees have been at the heart of ongoing disputes for the parties involved.
• Moscow has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the entirety of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will take control, rejecting any concession over how to conclude the war.
• Zelensky has to date excluded ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its forces to an agreed point – but only if Russia does the same.

Russian forces currently controls approximately 75% of the Donetsk region and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk region. The two regions form the industrial region of the Donbas.

The original US-led multi-point framework that was widely leaked to the media last year was seen by Ukraine and its partners in Europe as being disproportionately favorable in Moscow's favor.

This triggered weeks of focused diplomacy – with all sides trying to revise the draft.

Last month, The Ukrainian government presented the US an revised proposal – as well as distinct documents outlining possible defense assurances and provisions for Ukraine's rebuilding, Zelensky stated.