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

The UK and France have formalized a memorandum of understanding concerning the stationing of military forces in Ukraine if a peace agreement be concluded with Moscow, the Prime Minister of Britain, Sir Keir Starmer, has stated.

Following discussions with allied nations in Paris, he said that the allies would "create military hubs throughout Ukraine and erect protected installations for weapons and equipment" to discourage any potential invasion.

The allied nations also suggested that the United States would take the lead in overseeing a ceasefire.

Russia has repeatedly stated that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be considered a "legitimate target", but has so far not commented on this new development.

The Situation and Ongoing War

Russian President Vladimir Putin began a comprehensive attack of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russia currently controls approximately 20% of the country's land.

"This is a vital part of our pledge to stand with Ukraine for the long-term," stated the UK Prime Minister.

National leaders and top officials from the "Partner Group" took part in Tuesday's talks.

Speaking at a combined announcement, Starmer noted: "It establishes the framework for the operational parameters under which allied and coalition forces could operate on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's defense capabilities for the years ahead."

The UK prime minister added that Britain would participate in any US-led verification of a possible cessation of hostilities.

Protection Pledges and Diplomatic Positions

Senior US negotiator Steve Witkoff remarked that "long-term safety pledges and robust reconstruction vows are critical to a lasting peace" in Ukraine – referring to a central requirement made by the Ukrainian government.

Witkoff noted the allies had "mostly completed" their work on finalizing such assurances "to ensure the Ukrainian people know that when this war ends, it ends for good."

Jared Kushner, former American President Donald Trump's representative, also participated in the discussions.

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron said that Ukraine's allies had made "major headway" at the meeting.

He noted that "robust" safety pledges for Kyiv had been agreed in the case of a possible ceasefire.

Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky said that a "major advance" had been made in the talks, but cautioned that he would only consider efforts to be "sufficient" if they led to the end of the fighting.

Last week, Zelensky suggested a settlement was "largely prepared". Finalizing the outstanding 10% would "determine the fate of the peace, the destiny of Ukraine and Europe".

Unresolved Issues

• Land and defense assurances have been at the center of ongoing disputes for diplomats.
• Moscow has consistently stated that Ukraine's forces must withdraw from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region or Russia will take control, refusing any middle ground over how to end the war.
• Kyiv has thus far ruled out giving up any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an designated point – but only if Russia follows suit.

Russian forces currently controls approximately 75% of the Donetsk region and some 99% of the bordering Luhansk. The areas form the industrial region of the Donbas.

The initial US-led multi-point proposal that was widely leaked to the media last year was perceived by Ukraine and its EU supporters as being heavily skewed in Moscow's direction.

This led to a period of intensive discussions – with all sides trying to revise the document.

Recently, The Ukrainian government sent the US an updated proposal – as well as additional documents detailing possible defense assurances and arrangements for Ukraine's recovery, he stated.