UK and France Will Dispatch Forces to the Country in the event that a Peace Deal is Reached

The UK and France have formalized a declaration of intent concerning the stationing of armed personnel in the nation should a ceasefire be struck with Russia, the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has announced.

Following discussions with Kyiv's partners in Paris, he said that the allies would "establish defense centers throughout Ukraine and construct fortified installations for weapons and equipment" to deter any subsequent attack.

The allied nations also proposed that the United States would play the primary role in overseeing a halt in hostilities.

Russia has consistently stated that any external forces in Ukraine would be considered a "acceptable aim", but has not yet issued a statement on this recent announcement.

Background and Ongoing War

Moscow's leader Vladimir Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the start of last year, and Russia presently occupies roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory.

"This is a vital part of our vow to be alongside Ukraine for the long-term," stated Starmer.

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

Speaking at a shared media briefing, he further said: "It establishes the framework for the legal framework under which British, French, and partner forces could operate on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukraine's airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the years ahead."

The UK prime minister added that the UK would be involved in any American-headed monitoring of a potential cessation of hostilities.

Protection Pledges and Diplomatic Positions

Senior US negotiator Steve Witkoff stated that "long-term security guarantees and robust prosperity commitments are critical to a enduring ceasefire" in Ukraine – referring to a central demand made by the Ukrainian government.

Witkoff noted the coalition had "largely finished" their work on agreeing such pledges "in order that the Ukrainian people know that when this war ends, it ends permanently."

Donald Trump's son-in-law, US President Donald Trump's representative, also participated in the talks.

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron declared that Ukraine's partners had made "significant advances" at the negotiations.

He added that "robust" defense assurances for the Ukrainian government had been reached in the event of a possible truce.

Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky stated that a "huge advance" had been made in Paris, but qualified that he would only view efforts to be "sufficient" if they resulted in the conclusion of the war.

Earlier, the Ukrainian leader suggested a peace agreement was "mostly finalized". Finalizing the outstanding 10% would "decide the fate of the peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe".

Unresolved Issues

• Sovereign soil and security guarantees have been at the forefront of ongoing disputes for negotiators.
• Moscow has repeatedly warned that Kyiv's military must pull back from the entirety of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will take control, refusing any compromise over how to finish the war.
• Kyiv has thus far ruled out giving up any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could pull back its forces to an agreed point – but only if Russia reciprocates.

Moscow currently holds about 75% of the Donetsk region and some 99% of the bordering Luhansk region. The areas form the heartland of Donbas.

The earlier US-led multi-point peace plan that was extensively reported to the media last year was perceived by Ukraine and its EU supporters as being disproportionately favorable in Russia's favor.

This led to a period of intensive negotiations – with the involved parties trying to revise the proposal.

Last month, Ukraine presented the US an revised 20-point plan – as well as separate documents outlining potential defense assurances and arrangements for Ukraine's rebuilding, the President added.