UK and France Plan to Send Forces to the Country should a Ceasefire Accord is Reached

The London and Paris have inked a statement of purpose concerning the stationing of armed personnel in Ukraine if a ceasefire be made with Moscow, the Prime Minister of Britain, Keir Starmer, has declared.

After talks with allied nations in the French capital, he said that the UK and France would "create operational bases in various parts of Ukraine and erect secure structures for arms and military equipment" to deter any potential invasion.

The partner countries also suggested that the America would play the primary role in overseeing a truce.

The Kremlin has on multiple occasions stated that any non-Ukrainian military in Ukraine would be considered a "valid objective", but has so far not commented on this latest declaration.

Background and Continuing War

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a major offensive of Ukraine in the start of last year, and Russian forces at this time controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.

"This constitutes a crucial element of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the duration," commented the UK Prime Minister.

Heads of state and high-ranking officials from the "Allied Coalition" took part in the recent discussions.

Addressing reporters at a combined announcement, he added: "It establishes the framework for the operational parameters under which allied and coalition forces could function on the ground in Ukraine, defending Ukraine's airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces for the time to come."

The PM went on to say that the UK would take part in any American-headed confirmation of a possible cessation of hostilities.

Security Guarantees and Negotiation Stances

Top American diplomat Steve Witkoff stated that "long-term safety pledges and robust economic promises are essential to a enduring ceasefire" in Ukraine – alluding to a major condition made by Ukraine.

He indicated the allies had "largely finished" their work on establishing such assurances "to ensure the citizens of Ukraine know that when this war ends, it ends for good."

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

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

He said that "robust" security guarantees for Ukraine had been reached in the case of a potential ceasefire.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a "significant step forward" had been made in the talks, but added that he would only view efforts to be "enough" if they culminated in the conclusion of the fighting.

Earlier, the Ukrainian leader said a settlement was "90% ready". Finalizing the outstanding 10% would "decide the outcome of the peace, the future of Ukraine and Europe".

Remaining Challenges

• Territory and defense assurances have been at the heart of key disagreements for diplomats.
• Moscow has consistently stated that Kyiv's military must pull back from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region or Russia will occupy it, dismissing any middle ground over how to conclude the war.
• Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has floated the idea that Ukraine could withdraw its forces to an mutually accepted point – but only if Russia reciprocates.

Moscow currently occupies about 75% of the Donetsk oblast and around 99% of the adjacent Luhansk. The pair of oblasts form the heartland of Donbas.

The original US-led 28-point proposal that was extensively reported to the media last year was viewed by Ukraine and its European allies as being disproportionately favorable in Moscow's favor.

This sparked a period of intensive discussions – with Ukraine, the US and European leaders trying to revise the draft.

Last month, Ukraine presented the US an new 20-point plan – as well as distinct documents describing possible security guarantees and arrangements for Ukraine's recovery, Zelensky added.