The United Kingdom and France Will Dispatch Forces to the Country in the event that a Peace Deal is Agreed

The British and French governments have inked a statement of purpose concerning the stationing of military forces in Ukraine in the event a ceasefire be concluded with Moscow, the British leader, Keir Starmer, has declared.

Following talks with allied nations in the French capital, he indicated that the allies would "set up military hubs throughout Ukraine and build protected structures for arms and defense matériel" to deter any subsequent attack.

The coalition members also suggested that the United States would assume leadership in overseeing a halt in hostilities.

The Kremlin has consistently stated that any external forces in Ukraine would be considered a "acceptable aim", but has as yet not commented on this recent development.

The Situation and Continuing War

Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a major offensive of Ukraine in the start of last year, and Russia currently holds roughly 20% of the country's land.

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

National leaders and high-ranking officials from the "Partner Group" were involved in the recent discussions.

Addressing reporters at a joint press conference, he further said: "It establishes the framework for the legal framework under which British, French, and partner forces could operate on the ground in Ukraine, protecting Ukraine's skies and seas, and restoring Ukraine's military for the future."

The PM also stated that Britain would take part in any Washington-directed confirmation of a potential cessation of hostilities.

Security Guarantees and Diplomatic Positions

Senior US negotiator Steve Witkoff stated that "lasting defense assurances and substantial economic promises are essential to a enduring ceasefire" in Ukraine – alluding to a major condition made by Kyiv.

He said the allies had "largely finished" their work on finalizing such pledges "in order that the Ukrainian people know that when this hostilities ends, it ends for good."

Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's advisor, also participated in the negotiations.

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

He noted that "comprehensive" security guarantees for Ukraine had been agreed in the case of a potential ceasefire.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented that a "major development" had been made in the negotiations, but added that he would only view efforts to be "adequate" if they led to the conclusion of the fighting.

Earlier, Zelensky suggested a peace deal was "largely prepared". Agreeing on the last 10% would "shape the future of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe".

Outstanding Matters

• Sovereign soil and security guarantees have been at the forefront of ongoing disputes for negotiators.
• The Russian President has consistently stated that Ukraine's forces must withdraw from the entirety of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region or Russia will take control, rejecting any concession over how to end the war.
• The Ukrainian President has to date rejected giving up any land, but has proposed that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an designated point – but only if Russia reciprocates.

Moscow currently occupies about 75% of the Donetsk oblast and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The areas form the area of the Donbas.

The earlier US-led 28-point framework that was circulated to the media last year was viewed by Ukraine and its European allies as being heavily skewed in Russia's direction.

This led to weeks of high-level negotiations – with all sides trying to adjust the proposal.

Last month, Ukraine presented the US an revised framework – as well as additional documents detailing prospective defense assurances and provisions for Ukraine's rebuilding, Zelensky stated.