UK and France Will Dispatch Forces to Ukraine should a Peace Agreement is Finalized
The British and French governments have inked a memorandum of understanding concerning the positioning of armed personnel in Ukraine should a peace deal be struck with Moscow, the UK Prime Minister, Starmer, has declared.
Following negotiations with allied nations in Paris, he noted that the two nations would "set up military hubs throughout Ukraine and construct protected installations for weapons and equipment" to prevent any potential incursion.
The allied nations also put forward that the America would play the primary role in monitoring a ceasefire.
Moscow has consistently cautioned that any external forces in Ukraine would be considered a "acceptable aim", but has not yet issued a statement on this recent declaration.
Context and Continuing Hostilities
Moscow's leader Vladimir Putin launched a major offensive of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently occupies roughly 20% of Ukraine's sovereign soil.
"This is a vital part of our vow to support Ukraine for the foreseeable future," remarked Starmer.
Heads of state and high-ranking officials from the "Partner Group" took part in Tuesday's talks.
Addressing reporters at a shared media briefing, the Prime Minister noted: "It establishes the framework for the operational parameters under which allied and coalition forces could function on Ukraine's territory, defending Ukraine's airspace and waters, and restoring Ukraine's military for the future."
The British leader also stated that the UK would participate in any US-led monitoring of a prospective ceasefire.
Security Guarantees and Diplomatic Positions
Top US negotiator Steve Witkoff stated that "durable safety pledges and strong reconstruction vows are vital to a lasting peace" in Ukraine – referring to a central demand made by Kyiv.
He noted the coalition had "largely finished" their work on finalizing such pledges "so that the citizens of Ukraine know that when this hostilities ends, it ends for good."
Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's special envoy, also participated in the talks.
Separately, France's leader Emmanuel Macron stated that Ukraine's allies had made "major advances" at the negotiations.
He said that "comprehensive" defense assurances for Kyiv had been reached in the instance of a possible ceasefire.
Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky said that a "huge 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 war.
Earlier, he suggested a peace agreement was "90% ready". Agreeing on the last 10% would "decide the fate of peace, the destiny of Ukraine and Europe".
Unresolved Issues
- Territory and defense assurances have been at the forefront of ongoing disputes for diplomats.
- The Russian President has repeatedly warned that Ukraine's forces must retreat from the entirety of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will take control, dismissing any middle ground over how to conclude the war.
- Zelensky has to date ruled out giving up any territory, but has proposed that Ukraine could withdraw its forces to an mutually accepted point – but only if Russia reciprocates.
Russia presently controls approximately 75% of the Donetsk region and some 99% of the bordering Luhansk. The areas form the industrial region of the Donbas.
The initial US-led comprehensive peace plan that was widely leaked to the media last year was perceived by Ukraine and its EU supporters as being disproportionately favorable in Moscow's direction.
This led to a period of focused discussions – with Ukraine, the US and European leaders trying to amend the proposal.
The previous month, The Ukrainian government sent the US an revised framework – as well as distinct documents describing potential defense assurances and provisions for Ukraine's rebuilding, the President added.
