Leaders of Coalition of the Willing Discuss Security Guarantees for Ukraine at Summit in Paris
Leaders from the Coalition of the Willing countries have convened in Paris to discuss the future security of Ukraine and strategies for implementation, amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Background and Context
The summit, named the 'Coalition of the Willing', brought together key international institutions and state leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, to explore the parameters of security guarantees, Ukraine's role in future peace negotiations, and the contribution of partners in deterring renewed aggression.
The discussions come after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which has triggered Europe’s largest conflict since World War II. A key topic on the agenda was the proposed European-led multinational force Ukraine,
a draft by the Coalition yet to be approved by leaders.
Key Developments and Details
During the summit, several countries affirmed their readiness to provide security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France could deploy several thousand troops to Ukraine, while Sweden pledged to provide fighter jets and help clear sea mines. Germany also expressed readiness to deploy forces on NATO territory adjacent to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Zelensky assured that the documents signed today in Paris are a signal that Europe and the entire Coalition of the Willing are ready to work seriously for real security. He added, These documents are not just words but concrete actions.
A joint declaration titled Robust Security Guarantees for a Solid and Lasting Peace in Ukraine
was signed by the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing, Ukraine, and the United States, outlining the framework for peace negotiations. The declaration emphasized Ukraine’s sovereignty and its ability to defend itself as non-negotiable elements of any peace deal.
Implications and Reactions
However, not all members of the Coalition agreed on the extent of their involvement. Italy’s President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni confirmed that Italy will not be deploying troops to Ukraine as part of the security guarantees.
Despite the shared goal of providing reliable security guarantees for Ukraine, the Paris document drew criticism from some quarters. Some Ukrainian politicians claimed that the declaration could bring the world closer to a third world war, and there were concerns about the lack of commitment from the United States on guarantees for Ukraine.
Conclusion and Current Status
Despite these divergent views, Chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov reported that progress has been made at the summit, asserting that concrete results have already been achieved.
The Coalition aims to establish legally binding security guarantees, which would provide support to Ukraine in the event of a future armed attack by Russia.
The discussions from the Paris summit will serve as the basis for further negotiations with the United States and other international partners, as the world watches closely for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.