Ukraine Security Talks Yield ‘Significant Progress’ in Paris

Top allies of Ukraine met in Paris to discuss potential security guarantees for Kyiv, laying groundwork for a ceasefire and an end to Russia's nearly four-year-long war in Ukraine. The talks, which involved representatives from 35 countries including the U.S. and the European Union, saw concrete results according to Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine.

Background and Context

The 'Coalition of the Willing', as the group is known, convened in Paris, aiming to bolster security for Ukraine in the wake of a potential ceasefire. The meeting included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Council President António Costa, top U.S. negotiators Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner, NATO chief Rutte, and other allies of Ukraine.

Key Developments

Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron held a bilateral meeting before talks with U.S. envoys. The Ukrainian delegation also held a late-evening discussion with the U.S. representatives on Tuesday. Zelensky's spokesperson Serhii Nykyforov informed journalists about the meeting's progress and plans.

After the coalition signed the Paris declaration on security guarantees for Ukraine, Budanov stated, Les intérêts nationaux seront protégés (National interests will be protected).

Post-War Security and Troop Commitments

The U.K. and France announced their intent to deploy forces in Ukraine if a peace deal with Russia is reached, despite Moscow's warning that any Western forces in the neighboring country will be treated as “legitimate targets”¹. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer asserted that the agreement would provide a legal framework for British, French, and partner forces to operate on Ukrainian soil, following a ceasefire.

Reactions and Implications

The war in Ukraine has seen over 500,000 Ukrainian troops killed or wounded in action in 2025, and considerable Ukrainian military equipment destroyed². Amid such loss, the Paris talks aim to secure guarantees of security for Kyiv, which will be binding³.

However, Moscow has categorically ruled out the presence of NATO forces in the country under any pretext⁴. This presents a potential point of contention moving forward.

Current Status and Next Steps

As the talks in Paris continue, they have already yielded 'significant progress' on security pledges⁵. The Ukrainian delegation continues peace negotiations, and according to Budanov, concrete results already exist.⁶ The crucial issue of troop deployments and postwar security are anticipated to be central to ongoing discussions.