UK and France Plan to Send Troops to Ukraine should a Peace Agreement is Reached

The UK and France have inked a statement of purpose concerning the stationing of military forces in the nation in the event a peace agreement be struck with Russia, the Prime Minister of Britain, Sir Keir Starmer, has declared.

Following negotiations with Ukraine's allies in the French capital, he noted that the UK and France would "establish defense centers across Ukraine and construct fortified structures for arms and defense matériel" to deter any future attack.

The coalition members also suggested that the America would take the lead in verifying a ceasefire.

The Kremlin has consistently stated that any external forces in Ukraine would be considered a "legitimate target", but has so far not commented on this recent announcement.

The Situation and Continuing Hostilities

Moscow's leader Vladimir Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the start of last year, and Moscow currently occupies roughly 20% of Ukraine's sovereign soil.

"This is a vital part of our vow to support Ukraine for the duration," remarked the British leader.

Heads of state and top officials from the "Partner Group" took part in the Paris negotiations.

Addressing reporters at a combined announcement, Starmer added: "It creates the pathway for the operational parameters under which allied and coalition forces could work on the ground in Ukraine, defending Ukraine's airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces for the future."

The PM added that Britain would take part in any US-led monitoring of a possible ceasefire.

Protection Pledges and Diplomatic Positions

Top American diplomat Steve Witkoff said that "lasting defense assurances and robust prosperity commitments are essential to a enduring ceasefire" in Ukraine – alluding to a major demand made by the Ukrainian government.

The negotiator indicated the partner nations had "substantially agreed on" their work on agreeing such pledges "to ensure the Ukrainian people know that when this conflict ends, it ends forever."

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

Meanwhile, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that Ukraine's supporters had made "considerable advances" at the talks.

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

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented that a "major step forward" had been made in the talks, but qualified that he would only deem efforts to be "sufficient" if they resulted in the cessation of the fighting.

Earlier, the Ukrainian leader suggested a settlement was "largely prepared". Finalizing the remaining 10% would "decide the fate of the agreement, the future of Ukraine and Europe".

Remaining Challenges

• Territory and security guarantees have been at the heart of unresolved issues for diplomats.
• Putin has consistently stated that Kyiv's military must withdraw from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region or Russia will occupy it, dismissing any compromise over how to end the war.
• Zelensky has thus far rejected giving up any land, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its forces to an agreed point – but only if Russia does the same.

Russian forces currently occupies about 75% of the Donetsk oblast and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The areas form the heartland of the Donbas.

The earlier US-led comprehensive proposal that was widely leaked to the media last year was perceived by Kyiv and its EU supporters as being strongly biased in Russia's direction.

This led to a period of high-level negotiations – with Ukraine, the US and European leaders trying to adjust the document.

Last month, Kyiv submitted the US an new proposal – as well as distinct documents describing prospective security guarantees and plans for Ukraine's reconstruction, the President stated.