Britain and France to Deploy Military Personnel to Ukraine in the event that a Peace Agreement is Reached

The UK and France have signed a statement of purpose concerning the positioning of troops in the nation should a peace agreement be made with Russia, the British leader, Starmer, has declared.

Following discussions with Ukraine's allies in the French capital, he noted that the UK and France would "establish military hubs in various parts of Ukraine and construct fortified installations for military hardware and equipment" to prevent any subsequent attack.

The coalition members also suggested that the US would take the lead in monitoring a truce.

Moscow has on multiple occasions cautioned that any non-Ukrainian military in Ukraine would be considered a "legitimate target", but has not yet commented on this new development.

The Situation and Continuing Hostilities

Russian President Vladimir Putin began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the start of last year, and Russian forces currently holds roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory.

"This represents an essential component of our vow to support Ukraine for the duration," stated the British leader.

Heads of state and top officials from the "Coalition of the Willing" were involved in the recent discussions.

Addressing reporters at a combined announcement, Starmer further said: "It establishes the framework for the legal framework under which British, French, and partner forces could function on Ukraine's territory, defending Ukraine's airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the future."

The PM added that Britain would be involved in any US-led monitoring of a prospective cessation of hostilities.

Defense Assurances and Diplomatic Positions

Lead US negotiator Steve Witkoff stated that "durable defense assurances and strong prosperity commitments are critical to a permanent resolution" in Ukraine – mentioning a major demand made by the Ukrainian government.

He said the coalition had "largely finished" their work on establishing such assurances "so that the people of Ukraine know that when this hostilities ends, it ends permanently."

Jared Kushner, former American President Donald Trump's advisor, also participated in the talks.

Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron said that Ukraine's supporters had made "significant progress" at the meeting.

He added that "comprehensive" security guarantees for Ukraine had been reached in the case of a prospective truce.

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

Earlier, the Ukrainian leader said a settlement was "90% ready". Settling the remaining 10% would "decide the fate of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe".

Outstanding Matters

• Land and security guarantees have been at the heart of ongoing disputes for diplomats.
• Moscow has repeatedly warned that Ukraine's forces must retreat from the entirety of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region or Russia will take control, refusing any compromise over how to conclude the war.
• Kyiv has to date excluded giving up any territory, but has floated the idea that Ukraine could move its forces to an mutually accepted point – but only if Russia follows suit.

Moscow currently holds approximately 75% of the Donetsk oblast and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk. The two regions form the heartland of Donbas.

The initial US-led 28-point peace plan that was widely leaked to the media last year was perceived by Ukraine and its European allies as being disproportionately favorable in Russia's favor.

This sparked weeks of intensive negotiations – with all sides trying to revise the draft.

Last month, The Ukrainian government submitted the US an updated proposal – as well as distinct documents detailing prospective security guarantees and arrangements for Ukraine's rebuilding, the President stated.