PARIS – In a significant diplomatic push, leaders of the “Coalition of the Willing” have gathered in Paris to finalize a set of “robust” security guarantees for Ukraine. The summit, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aims to provide Kyiv with a credible defense framework in the event of a future peace deal with Russia.
The meeting at the Élysée Palace, which included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, focused on outlining concrete plans for post-war military support. According to reports from the summit, the discussions centered on ramping up training for the Ukrainian army and the potential deployment of a multinational contingent of European troops to deter future Russian aggression.
Macron stated that European nations are ready to provide these guarantees “on the day a peace deal is signed.” However, he also emphasized that the sincerity of Russia’s recent peace overtures remains a key question.
A major element of the talks was the role of the United States. While U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington could offer a “backstop” of support, he has been clear that no American troops would be deployed to Ukraine. His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, represented the U.S. at the summit, and leaders from the coalition were scheduled to speak with President Trump via videoconference later in the day to secure his backing.
The initiative comes at a time of growing frustration with Russia’s continued military actions, which leaders say show no sign of an end to the conflict. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stressed that Russia has “no say” in whether a sovereign Ukraine can host foreign troops as part of a security arrangement.
While some countries, such as Germany, remain hesitant about committing troops, the overall consensus is on strengthening Ukraine’s military and providing a clear signal of long-term support. The detailed plans, which have been in the works for months, are now considered “technically” complete and are being presented to leaders for political endorsement. This summit represents a crucial step in translating these plans into a tangible security framework for Ukraine’s future.
