Paris, France – The United States, United Kingdom, and France have announced plans to provide security guarantees to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia, marking a major step in post-war planning. The commitments were made at a summit of the “coalition of the willing”, attended by 35 countries supporting Kyiv against Russian aggression.

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US to Lead Ceasefire Monitoring

The United States pledged to lead a truce monitoring mechanism, while European nations, including France and the UK, agreed to deploy troops to Ukrainian territory if a ceasefire is reached. French President Emmanuel Macron said Paris could contribute “several thousand” troops as part of a multinational European force.

Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a declaration of intent, outlining the framework for the potential deployment.

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with Europe’s top military commander Alexus Grynkewich, attended the summit. Witkoff emphasized that the guarantees aim to deter future attacks on Ukraine and defend the country if deterrence fails.

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Coalition Plans: Hubs, Forces, and Equipment

The coalition outlined measures that would support Ukraine both during and after a ceasefire:

• Military hubs and protected facilities across Ukraine, managed by France and the UK, to store equipment and strengthen defensive capabilities.
• A US-led monitoring system using drones, sensors, and satellites to verify compliance with a ceasefire.
• Support for Ukraine’s armed forces, including training, weapons replenishment, and backup with air, land, and sea capabilities.
• Establishment of a US-Ukraine coalition coordination cell in Paris.

The coalition said final binding commitments on troop deployments and equipment support are still being finalized.

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Zelenskyy Welcomes Security Guarantees

President Zelenskyy praised the agreements as a step toward lasting security for Ukraine. He noted that the declarations set out responsibilities for security and reconstruction, while leaving the “territorial question” unresolved—particularly regarding Russia’s demands for Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region.

Zelenskyy added that the US role as a backstop for security, monitoring, and rebuilding was a critical reassurance.

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Mixed European Responses

Not all European nations committed troops inside Ukraine. Germany indicated its forces could monitor a ceasefire from neighboring countries, while Belgium offered naval and air support. Croatia and the Czech Republic declined to deploy troops.

Despite these differences, European leaders, including Macron, Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, stressed that the summit showed renewed transatlantic unity in supporting Ukraine.

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Russia Remains Silent

Moscow has yet to respond to the summit’s outcomes and has previously rejected the presence of foreign troops on Ukrainian soil. Russia continues to occupy around 20% of Ukraine’s territory, complicating diplomatic efforts toward a ceasefire.

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Key Takeaways

• US to lead ceasefire monitoring; France and UK pledge troops in Ukraine.
• Coalition aims to deter future Russian aggression and strengthen Ukraine’s defense.
• Zelenskyy welcomes guarantees, but the territorial dispute with Russia remains unresolved.
• European contributions vary, with some countries limiting or declining troop deployment.