UK and France to Deploy Forces to the Country if a Peace Deal is Agreed

The British and French governments have formalized a declaration of intent concerning the deployment of armed personnel in Ukraine should a peace agreement be concluded with Russia, the Prime Minister of Britain, Starmer, has announced.

Subsequent to discussions with allied nations in Paris, he noted that the allies would "create operational bases throughout Ukraine and build protected installations for arms and military equipment" to deter any potential incursion.

The allied nations also suggested that the United States would assume leadership in verifying a halt in hostilities.

Moscow has repeatedly stated that any non-Ukrainian military in Ukraine would be considered a "legitimate target", but has not yet responded on this new development.

Background and Continuing War

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a major offensive of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces at this time holds approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.

"This is a vital part of our pledge to stand with Ukraine for the duration," remarked the British leader.

National leaders and senior officials from the "Partner Group" were involved in the recent discussions.

Addressing reporters at a shared media briefing, Starmer further said: "It creates the pathway for the operational parameters under which British, French, and partner forces could operate on the ground in Ukraine, defending Ukraine's airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's defense capabilities for the years ahead."

The PM went on to say that Britain would participate in any American-headed confirmation of a prospective ceasefire.

Defense Assurances and Negotiation Stances

Senior US negotiator Steve Witkoff said that "lasting defense assurances and strong reconstruction vows are vital to a enduring ceasefire" in Ukraine – referring to a major requirement made by Kyiv.

Witkoff indicated the partner nations had "mostly completed" their work on agreeing such pledges "to ensure the citizens of Ukraine know that when this war ends, it ends forever."

The former US envoy, US President Donald Trump's representative, also was involved in the discussions.

At the same time, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Ukraine's allies had made "considerable headway" at the negotiations.

He said that "comprehensive" safety pledges for Ukraine had been agreed in the case of a potential truce.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that a "huge step forward" had been made in the negotiations, but qualified that he would only view efforts to be "adequate" if they culminated in the cessation of the conflict.

Last week, the Ukrainian leader said a settlement was "90% ready". Agreeing on the last 10% would "decide the outcome of the agreement, the fate of Ukraine and Europe".

Remaining Challenges

• Land and security guarantees have been at the heart of unresolved issues for the parties involved.
• Putin has consistently stated that Ukraine's forces must retreat from the entirety of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will take control, dismissing any middle ground over how to conclude the war.
• Zelensky has to date excluded ceding any land, but has floated the idea that Ukraine could move its troops to an agreed point – but only if Russia reciprocates.

Moscow presently holds about 75% of the Donetsk region and around 99% of the adjacent Luhansk. The areas form the heartland of the Donbas.

The initial US-led comprehensive framework that was circulated to the media last year was seen by Ukraine and its EU supporters as being disproportionately favorable in Moscow's direction.

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

Recently, Kyiv submitted the US an new framework – as well as distinct documents outlining possible defense assurances and arrangements for Ukraine's reconstruction, Zelensky said.