The United Kingdom and France Will Dispatch Troops to Ukraine if a Peace Deal is Finalized

The British and French governments have formalized a memorandum of understanding concerning the stationing of armed personnel in Ukraine in the event a peace deal be struck with Russia, the British leader, Sir Keir Starmer, has stated.

After discussions with allied nations in Paris, he indicated that the UK and France would "create military hubs in various parts of Ukraine and construct secure facilities for arms and equipment" to discourage any potential incursion.

The coalition members also suggested that the United States would assume leadership in overseeing a halt in hostilities.

Moscow has consistently warned that any external forces in Ukraine would be considered a "acceptable aim", but has so far not issued a statement on this new declaration.

Background and Ongoing War

Moscow's leader Vladimir Putin began a comprehensive attack of Ukraine in early 2022, and Moscow at this time holds about 20% of Ukrainian territory.

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

Heads of state and high-ranking officials from the "Partner Group" were involved in the Paris negotiations.

Speaking at a shared media briefing, he noted: "It establishes the framework for the juridical structure under which allied and coalition forces could work on Ukrainian soil, defending Ukraine's airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the years ahead."

The British leader also stated that London would participate in any Washington-directed confirmation of a prospective ceasefire.

Protection Pledges and Diplomatic Positions

Senior US negotiator Steve Witkoff remarked that "durable defense assurances and substantial reconstruction vows are essential to a enduring ceasefire" in Ukraine – referring to a major requirement made by the Ukrainian government.

Witkoff noted the allies had "largely finished" their work on establishing such pledges "to ensure the people of Ukraine know that when this hostilities ends, it ends for good."

Donald Trump's son-in-law, ex-President Donald Trump's advisor, also was involved in the negotiations.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said that Ukraine's supporters had made "significant headway" at the meeting.

He noted that "comprehensive" defense assurances for Ukraine had been agreed in the event of a potential truce.

Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky stated that a "major step forward" had been made in the negotiations, but qualified that he would only consider efforts to be "adequate" if they led to the cessation of the conflict.

Last week, the Ukrainian leader suggested a settlement was "90% ready". Finalizing the last 10% would "shape the outcome of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe".

Remaining Challenges

• Sovereign soil and defense assurances have been at the center of ongoing disputes for negotiators.
• The Russian President has repeatedly warned that Ukraine's forces must retreat from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region or Russia will occupy it, rejecting any concession over how to finish the war.
• The Ukrainian President has thus far excluded surrendering any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could move its troops to an designated point – but only if Russia does the same.

Moscow currently occupies about 75% of the Donetsk oblast and some 99% of the bordering Luhansk. The two regions form the heartland of Donbas.

The initial US-led multi-point framework that was extensively reported to the media last year was perceived by Ukraine and its European allies as being disproportionately favorable in Russia's direction.

This sparked a period of high-level discussions – with the involved parties trying to amend the document.

Recently, The Ukrainian government presented the US an revised proposal – as well as distinct documents detailing potential defense assurances and plans for Ukraine's recovery, he added.