Britain and France Plan to Send Forces to the Country should a Ceasefire Accord is Agreed

The London and Paris have formalized a declaration of intent concerning the positioning of troops in Ukraine should a ceasefire be concluded with Russia, the UK Prime Minister, Starmer, has declared.

Following negotiations with Ukraine's allies in the French capital, he indicated that the two nations would "establish military hubs across Ukraine and erect fortified facilities for arms and military equipment" to deter any future attack.

The partner countries also suggested that the America would play the primary role in monitoring a halt in hostilities.

The Kremlin has on multiple occasions cautioned that any external forces in Ukraine would be considered a "acceptable aim", but has as yet not issued a statement on this recent development.

Background and Continuing War

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces at this time controls about 20% of the country's land.

"This is a vital part of our vow to stand with Ukraine for the duration," commented the UK Prime Minister.

Top officials and high-ranking officials from the "Coalition of the Willing" took part in the Paris negotiations.

Speaking at a combined announcement, Starmer added: "It creates the pathway for the legal framework under which British, French, and partner forces could operate on Ukraine's territory, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's defense capabilities for the years ahead."

The UK prime minister also stated that Britain would take part in any Washington-directed confirmation of a potential truce.

Protection Pledges and Negotiation Stances

Top American diplomat Steve Witkoff remarked that "long-term safety pledges and strong reconstruction vows are critical to a enduring ceasefire" in Ukraine – referring to a central demand made by Ukraine.

The negotiator noted the partner nations had "mostly completed" their work on finalizing such pledges "in order that the people of Ukraine know that when this war ends, it ends for good."

The former US envoy, ex-President Donald Trump's special envoy, also took part in the negotiations.

At the same time, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Ukraine's partners had made "significant advances" at the negotiations.

He said that "comprehensive" defense assurances for Kyiv had been agreed in the event of a possible ceasefire.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a "significant step forward" had been made in the talks, but cautioned that he would only view efforts to be "adequate" if they led to the cessation of the conflict.

Recently, Zelensky indicated a peace deal was "90% ready". Finalizing the remaining 10% would "determine the future of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe".

Remaining Challenges

• Territory and security guarantees have been at the forefront of ongoing disputes for negotiators.
• The Russian President has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, refusing any middle ground over how to end the war.
• Zelensky has to date rejected surrendering any land, but has floated the idea that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an agreed point – but only if Russia reciprocates.

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

The original US-led 28-point peace plan that was widely leaked to the media last year was seen by Ukraine and its EU supporters as being disproportionately favorable in Russia's direction.

This led to a period of high-level diplomacy – with all sides trying to amend the proposal.

Last month, Ukraine submitted the US an new framework – as well as separate documents detailing possible security guarantees and plans for Ukraine's reconstruction, the President said.