French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 countries are prepared to offer security guarantees to Ukraine. This support could involve deploying military contingents, providing equipment, or funding weapons after a ceasefire.
Speaking after a “coalition of the willing” summit in Paris, Macron stated, “The contributions from countries, which were prepared, documented, and approved this afternoon at the defense ministers’ level in the strictest secrecy, allow us to declare: this work is complete and will now be politically approved.”
Macron clarified that any international forces would not be deployed to combat zones but rather “in geographical areas that are currently being defined.” He stressed that participating nations “have neither the desire nor the objective to wage war against Russia.”
Support and Long-Term Perspective of security guarantees
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed this level of support as a “victory.” He noted that the security guarantees encompass strengthening the Ukrainian army, maintaining its combat readiness, and boosting arms production and procurement funding.
Macron confirmed that Germany and Italy are part of this coalition. Based on the summit’s attendees, other countries ready to provide security guarantees include Finland, Estonia, Canada, Bulgaria, Romania, Denmark, and Poland, in addition to France and the United Kingdom.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who co-chairs the coalition with Macron, welcomed commitments from some allies to supply long-range missiles.
The Role of the US
The extent of US involvement in providing these security guarantees is expected to be finalized in the coming days. Macron indicated that if Russia refuses peace negotiations, the European Union would adopt new, US-coordinated sanctions. Zelenskyy expressed his hope for Washington’s support.
During a phone call, Presidents Macron and Zelenskyy reportedly briefed Donald Trump on the progress of the discussions. Topics included US air defense for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.