Britain and France to Deploy Troops to the Country in the event that a Ceasefire Accord is Finalized
The British and French governments have formalized a declaration of intent concerning the stationing of troops in Ukraine should a ceasefire be made with Moscow, the Prime Minister of Britain, Sir Keir Starmer, has announced.
Following talks with Kyiv's partners in Paris, he said that the UK and France would "establish operational bases in various parts of Ukraine and construct fortified installations for weapons and military equipment" to deter any subsequent attack.
The coalition members also put forward that the United States would play the primary role in overseeing a truce.
Russia has repeatedly warned that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be considered a "valid objective", but has not yet issued a statement on this recent development.
Context and Continuing Conflict
Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a major offensive of Ukraine in early 2022, and Russia presently holds approximately 20% of the country's land.
"This is a vital part of our vow to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future," commented the British leader.
Top officials and high-ranking officials from the "Partner Group" were involved in the recent discussions.
Speaking at a joint press conference, he further said: "It paves the way for the juridical structure under which British, French, and partner forces could function on the ground in Ukraine, securing Ukraine's air and maritime domains, and rebuilding Ukraine's defense capabilities for the years ahead."
The UK prime minister also stated that Britain would participate in any US-led monitoring of a prospective cessation of hostilities.
Security Guarantees and Diplomatic Positions
Lead US negotiator Steve Witkoff said that "durable safety pledges and robust economic promises are vital to a enduring ceasefire" in Ukraine β alluding to a key requirement made by the Ukrainian government.
The negotiator indicated the allies had "largely finished" their work on agreeing such assurances "so that the Ukrainian people know that when this war ends, it ends for good."
The former US envoy, US President Donald Trump's special envoy, also took part in the discussions.
At the same time, French President Emmanuel Macron declared that Ukraine's supporters had made "major progress" at the meeting.
He noted that "strong" safety pledges for the Ukrainian government had been agreed in the event of a prospective truce.
Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky said that a "major development" had been made in the talks, but cautioned that he would only deem efforts to be "adequate" if they culminated in the conclusion of the fighting.
Recently, the Ukrainian leader said a peace agreement was "90% ready". Settling the last 10% would "shape the fate of the agreement, the fate of Ukraine and Europe".
Unresolved Issues
- Land and security guarantees have been at the center of ongoing disputes for the parties involved.
- Moscow has consistently stated that Ukraine's forces must retreat from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region or Russia will occupy it, rejecting any compromise over how to finish the war.
- Zelensky has so far rejected giving up any territory, but has floated the idea that Ukraine could pull back its troops to an agreed point β but only if Russia follows suit.
Russia presently controls about 75% of the Donetsk oblast and around 99% of the adjacent Luhansk. The areas form the industrial region of Donbas.
The original US-led comprehensive proposal that was widely leaked to the media last year was seen by Kyiv and its European allies as being heavily skewed in Russia's direction.
This triggered weeks of intensive diplomacy β with Ukraine, the US and European leaders trying to revise the proposal.
Recently, The Ukrainian government sent the US an updated 20-point plan β as well as distinct documents detailing possible defense assurances and arrangements for Ukraine's reconstruction, Zelensky stated.
