The United States, for the first time, expressed its support for a security guarantee framework for Ukraine at a summit in Paris that brought together a "coalition of the willing," primarily composed of European countries. These guarantees aim to reassure Kyiv in the event of a ceasefire with Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2014 and then on a large scale in 2022.
The meeting was marked by the participation of high-ranking American envoys, including Steve Witkoff et Jared Kushneralongside the highest-ranking American officer in Europe. Following the summit, Witkoff assured that the president Donald Trump strongly supported security protocols described as among the most robust ever seen, designed to deter any further Russian attacks and ensure a defense in the event of a ceasefire violation.
According to the leaders' statement, the allies would participate in a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism proposed by Washington, relying primarily on drones, sensors, and satellites, without the deployment of US troops. While the final text reduces the direct role of the United States compared to earlier versions, European officials welcomed American involvement as a strong political signal.
Diplomatic talks to end the nearly four-year war have accelerated in recent months, but Moscow has so far shown no signs of accepting an agreement with binding security guarantees for Kyiv. Russia has already rejected the idea of a NATO force presence in Ukraine.
The focus is now shifting towards legally binding commitments to assist Ukraine in the event of further aggression. These commitments could include military support, intelligence and logistical capabilities, diplomatic initiatives, and additional sanctions. The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky judged the exchanges to be "substantial", while stressing that significant work remained to be done.
The European leaders present, including Emmanuel Macron et Keir StarmerThey highlighted a renewed unity between Europe and the United States. Paris and London also signed a declaration of intent paving the way for a future deployment of multinational forces in Ukraine after a ceasefire, in order to contribute to deterrence and the rebuilding of Ukrainian military capabilities.
