Britain and France Will Dispatch Forces to Ukraine should a Peace Agreement is Agreed

The British and French governments have signed a memorandum of understanding concerning the stationing of military forces in Ukraine if a peace deal be concluded with Russia, the British leader, Keir Starmer, has announced.

Following discussions with allied nations in the French capital, he said that the allies would "establish operational bases in various parts of Ukraine and build secure installations for weapons and equipment" to discourage any subsequent attack.

The partner countries also suggested that the America would take the lead in overseeing a halt in hostilities.

The Kremlin has on multiple occasions warned that any non-Ukrainian military in Ukraine would be considered a "acceptable aim", but has as yet not responded on this new declaration.

Context and Ongoing War

Moscow's leader Vladimir Putin began a major offensive of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces presently occupies approximately 20% of the country's land.

"This is a vital part of our commitment to be alongside Ukraine for the duration," remarked the British leader.

Heads of state and top officials from the "Partner Group" participated in Tuesday's talks.

He stated at a shared media briefing, he noted: "It creates the pathway for the operational parameters under which allied and coalition forces could work on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukraine's air and maritime domains, and rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces for the time to come."

The PM also stated that the UK would take part in any American-headed monitoring of a potential cessation of hostilities.

Defense Assurances and Diplomatic Positions

Senior US negotiator Steve Witkoff said that "lasting security guarantees and strong economic promises are critical to a enduring ceasefire" in Ukraine – alluding to a central demand made by Ukraine.

Witkoff noted the partner nations had "mostly completed" their work on establishing such assurances "in order that the citizens of Ukraine know that when this conflict ends, it ends forever."

Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's representative, also was involved in the discussions.

Meanwhile, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that Ukraine's allies had made "major progress" at the talks.

He added that "strong" safety pledges for Kyiv had been settled upon in the event of a potential ceasefire.

President Volodymyr Zelensky commented that a "huge step forward" had been made in the negotiations, but added that he would only consider efforts to be "enough" if they led to the cessation of the fighting.

Earlier, the Ukrainian leader said a peace deal was "mostly finalized". Settling the last 10% would "determine the future of the peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe".

Outstanding Matters

• Sovereign soil and security guarantees have been at the center of ongoing disputes for the parties involved.
• Putin has often said that Kyiv's military must withdraw from the entirety of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region or Russia will take control, refusing any compromise over how to conclude the war.
• Zelensky has thus far rejected giving up any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its forces to an designated point – but only if Russia reciprocates.

Moscow currently occupies approximately 75% of the Donetsk oblast and around 99% of the bordering Luhansk. The pair of oblasts form the heartland of Donbas.

The original US-led multi-point peace plan that was widely leaked to the media last year was perceived by Ukraine and its European allies as being disproportionately favorable in Russia's direction.

This triggered a period of focused negotiations – with the involved parties trying to revise the proposal.

Last month, The Ukrainian government sent the US an revised framework – as well as separate documents detailing prospective security guarantees and plans for Ukraine's recovery, the President said.