The United Kingdom and France to Deploy Forces to Ukraine if a Ceasefire Accord is Agreed

The UK and France have inked a memorandum of understanding concerning the deployment of troops in the nation if a ceasefire be made with Moscow, the British leader, Keir Starmer, has declared.

After negotiations with Ukraine's allies in the French capital, he noted that the UK and France would "create defense centers in various parts of Ukraine and build protected installations for weapons and defense matériel" to prevent any future invasion.

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

The Kremlin has consistently stated that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be considered a "acceptable aim", but has so far not responded on this recent announcement.

The Situation and Continuing Conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a comprehensive attack of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russia at this time holds roughly 20% of the country's land.

"This represents an essential component of our commitment to support Ukraine for the long-term," stated the British leader.

National leaders and high-ranking officials from the "Partner Group" were involved in Tuesday's talks.

Addressing reporters at a shared media briefing, the Prime Minister added: "It establishes the framework for the operational parameters under which allied and coalition forces could operate on Ukraine's territory, defending Ukraine's airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the future."

The British leader also stated that the UK would take part in any American-headed verification of a prospective cessation of hostilities.

Security Guarantees and Diplomatic Positions

Senior US negotiator Steve Witkoff said that "durable security guarantees and strong economic promises are critical to a enduring ceasefire" in Ukraine – alluding to a central condition made by Ukraine.

Witkoff noted the coalition had "largely finished" their work on finalizing such guarantees "so that the citizens of Ukraine know that when this war ends, it ends forever."

Donald Trump's son-in-law, US President Donald Trump's special envoy, also took part in the discussions.

Meanwhile, President Macron Emmanuel Macron stated that Ukraine's partners had made "major headway" at the meeting.

He said that "comprehensive" defense assurances for the Ukrainian government had been reached in the instance of a potential truce.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented that a "huge advance" had been made in the talks, but added that he would only consider efforts to be "enough" if they resulted in the conclusion of the fighting.

Recently, Zelensky said a settlement was "90% ready". Settling the outstanding 10% would "decide the fate of peace, the destiny of Ukraine and Europe".

Remaining Challenges

• Land and security guarantees have been at the center of ongoing disputes for diplomats.
• Moscow has often said that Ukraine's forces must withdraw from the entirety of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, dismissing any concession over how to end the war.
• Zelensky has to date ruled out ceding any land, but has floated the idea that Ukraine could move its forces to an designated point – but only if Russia follows suit.

Moscow currently holds about 75% of the Donetsk oblast and around 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions form the area of the Donbas.

The original US-led 28-point framework that was widely leaked to the media last year was perceived by Kyiv and its partners in Europe as being disproportionately favorable in Moscow's favor.

This led to a period of focused negotiations – with Ukraine, the US and European leaders trying to revise the draft.

Recently, The Ukrainian government sent the US an updated proposal – as well as distinct documents detailing prospective security guarantees and provisions for Ukraine's recovery, the President stated.