Leaders from Ukraine’s top allies gathered in Paris on January 6, 2026, to discuss potential security guarantees for Kyiv amid ongoing peace negotiations with Russia. The high-level meeting brought together representatives from 35 countries, including 27 heads of state, as part of a broader effort to end the nearly four-year conflict through a United States-brokered peace plan.

Coalition of the Willing Aims to Strengthen Ukraine’s Security

The meeting, dubbed the “coalition of the willing,” focused on developing a framework that could provide Ukraine with international guarantees in the event of a ceasefire with Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron, who hosted the meeting, expressed optimism that the talks could lay the groundwork for a lasting solution.

“The aim is to ensure that Ukraine receives the security guarantees necessary to prevent future aggression,” Macron said during the summit in Paris.

Senior U.S. negotiators, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, attended as part of broader efforts to align the positions of Ukraine, European allies, and the United States before taking proposals to Moscow.

Diplomatic Challenges Remain

Despite the high-level turnout, prospects for a breakthrough remain uncertain. Russia, which currently occupies approximately 20% of Ukraine, continues to push for full control over eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, particularly Luhansk and parts of Donetsk, where intense fighting continues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that ceding territory is unacceptable. Doing so would violate Ukraine’s constitution and, according to Zelenskyy, could embolden Moscow to launch future invasions.

“I will not sign a peace deal that fails to deter Russia from invading again,” Zelenskyy said, underscoring Kyiv’s firm stance on territorial integrity.

Global Focus Complicates Negotiations

Observers note that the Trump administration’s attention has shifted recently to other global matters, including Venezuela, which may complicate U.S.-led diplomatic efforts. Russia has so far shown little indication of accepting current proposals, and ongoing fighting on the ground continues to impede progress.

The Importance of Security Guarantees

The Paris summit highlighted the need for robust security assurances for Ukraine to prevent renewed Russian aggression. These guarantees could take the form of multinational defense commitments, economic support, or long-term diplomatic frameworks backed by key allies.

Macron emphasized that coordinated international support would be crucial in ensuring a durable ceasefire:

“Ukraine’s sovereignty must be respected, and the international community must stand ready to back Kyiv if hostilities resume.”

Conclusion

While the Paris meeting marks a significant step in diplomatic efforts to end the war, major obstacles remain. Key issues, such as territorial control, enforcement of security guarantees, and Russia’s willingness to compromise, will continue to shape the trajectory of negotiations in the coming months. The global community is watching closely, as the outcome will have far-reaching implications for European security, international law, and global diplomacy.