Britain and France Plan to Send Troops to the Country should a Ceasefire Accord is Agreed

The British and French governments have signed a statement of purpose concerning the deployment of military forces in Ukraine if a peace deal be concluded with Russia, the Prime Minister of Britain, Sir Keir Starmer, has declared.

Subsequent to discussions with Kyiv's partners in the French capital, he indicated that the allies would "establish defense centers in various parts of Ukraine and erect secure installations for weapons and defense matériel" to discourage any future attack.

The allied nations also proposed that the United States would assume leadership in overseeing a ceasefire.

Moscow has repeatedly stated that any external forces in Ukraine would be considered a "legitimate target", but has so far not responded on this latest development.

Context and Ongoing Conflict

The Kremlin's head Vladimir Putin began a comprehensive attack of Ukraine in the start of last year, and Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.

"This is a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term," commented Starmer.

Heads of state and top officials from the "Allied Coalition" were involved in the Paris negotiations.

He stated at a joint press conference, Starmer added: "It creates the pathway for the juridical structure under which British, French, and partner forces could operate on the ground in Ukraine, protecting Ukraine's skies and seas, and restoring Ukraine's military for the future."

The British leader added that London would be involved in any US-led monitoring of a potential cessation of hostilities.

Protection Pledges and Negotiation Stances

Senior Washington representative Steve Witkoff stated that "durable safety pledges and robust economic promises are essential to a lasting peace" in Ukraine – mentioning a central demand made by the Ukrainian government.

The negotiator noted the allies had "largely finished" their work on finalizing such guarantees "in order that the people of Ukraine know that when this conflict ends, it ends for good."

The former US envoy, ex-President Donald Trump's special envoy, also participated in the negotiations.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron declared that Ukraine's supporters had made "major headway" at the talks.

He said that "comprehensive" defense assurances for Kyiv had been settled upon in the case of a prospective truce.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that a "huge advance" had been made in the talks, but cautioned that he would only consider efforts to be "enough" if they led to the conclusion of the fighting.

Recently, the Ukrainian leader indicated a peace deal was "90% ready". Settling the outstanding 10% would "decide the fate of the agreement, the fate of Ukraine and Europe".

Outstanding Matters

• Sovereign soil and security guarantees have been at the center of key disagreements for negotiators.
• The Russian President has consistently stated that Kyiv's military must withdraw from the entirety of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will take control, refusing any compromise over how to conclude the war.
• The Ukrainian President has so far ruled out ceding any land, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an designated point – but only if Russia reciprocates.

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

The earlier US-led comprehensive proposal that was extensively reported to the media last year was perceived by Ukraine and its EU supporters as being heavily skewed in Moscow's favor.

This sparked a period of focused diplomacy – with all sides trying to revise the draft.

Recently, Ukraine submitted the US an revised proposal – as well as additional documents outlining potential security guarantees and arrangements for Ukraine's reconstruction, Zelensky said.