France and the UK are considering deploying peacekeeping forces to Ukraine. Here's a look at what this might entail (map included).

Peacekeepers may be deployed in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are discussing the possibility of sending military personnel from their countries to Ukraine as a peacekeeping contingent.

This scenario is being considered by Paris and London following a potential agreement between Kyiv and Moscow to cease hostilities. This information comes from The Telegraph.

Western military personnel are expected to serve as security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of an agreement with the Russian Federation regarding a ceasefire.

The Telegraph reports that this is one of the ideas that are "being increasingly discussed not only in public debates but also behind closed doors in Westminster" (in the British government).

The French president supports the idea and has already discussed it with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

The British publication notes that press secretaries at Downing Street and the Élysée Palace did not deny that Starmer and Macron discussed this possibility during their meeting last week.

However, officials in London and Paris are keeping the details of the discussions confidential. Nevertheless, The Telegraph conveys that many authoritative government sources in Britain emphasize that Starmer has not yet fully agreed to this initiative.

One source in Whitehall, speaking with The Telegraph, pointed out the unresolved questions regarding the potential threat to this peacekeeping contingent, and whether it could lead to "escalation".

Potential Deployment Scenarios for Peacekeepers

At the same time, there remains much uncertainty regarding this prospect, including unclear boundaries for a "buffer" zone between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian occupiers, and where western peacekeepers might be hypothetically stationed to ensure Ukraine's protection against any future attacks from the Russian Federation.

One source from the British government indicated that London has not yet approved such a proposal for the country's participation in a peacekeeping contingent.

Moreover, The Telegraph outlined three scenarios in which British and other foreign troops might theoretically be deployed in Ukraine as peacekeepers.

Specifically, the first scenario involves freezing the frontline in Ukraine, where Russia retains control over temporarily occupied territories in the east and south of the country.

There is also consideration for the protection of Kyiv by western forces (the second scenario) and the establishment of an "air shield" on Polish territory while simultaneously training Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers in Ukraine (the third).

What is Known About the Deployment of Peacekeepers in Ukraine

In mid-December, Macron discussed the deployment of soldiers from European countries as peacekeepers in Ukraine with Polish Prime Minister Tusk, who stated at the time that Warsaw "does not plan any such actions".

Earlier this week, Macron and Zelensky also spoke about potential plans regarding peacekeepers.

The Ukrainian president noted that discussing France's initiative to deploy military contingents in Ukraine is considered an effective security guarantee. The head of state added that the parties "examined practical steps for its implementation, potential expansion, and involving other countries in these efforts".

Additionally, on January 15, during a press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Zelensky stated that the deployment of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine would be discussed with the British Prime Minister, and they have also consulted with Baltic partners.

Can foreign troops maintain peace, and what is the main risk for Ukraine? Read more in the material from "The Telegraph" here.