What's happened
European leaders and U.S. envoys met in Paris to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine, including a ceasefire monitoring mechanism and potential deployment of multinational forces after a ceasefire. While progress was reported, key issues like territorial disputes and Russian demands remain unresolved as tensions persist.
What's behind the headline?
The Paris summit marks a significant step in Western efforts to formalize security guarantees for Ukraine, aiming to prevent future Russian attacks. The proposed measures include a ceasefire monitoring system led by the U.S., deployment of a multinational force, and long-term support for Ukraine's armed forces. However, the absence of a firm commitment from the U.S. to support a European-led force in case of attack highlights lingering uncertainties. The divergence in priorities—Europe's focus on territorial integrity and Russia's demands—suggests that a comprehensive peace deal remains elusive. The summit's success hinges on resolving the territorial dispute over Donbas and Russia's refusal to accept NATO's presence in Ukraine. The political will among allies is evident, but the real challenge will be translating these commitments into enforceable agreements that can withstand Russian opposition. The ongoing geopolitical tensions, including U.S.-Europe disagreements over Greenland and Venezuela, underscore the fragile consensus. Ultimately, the summit signals a cautious but determined effort to bolster Ukraine's security, with the potential to shape future negotiations and peace efforts, but significant hurdles remain before a durable resolution is achieved.
What the papers say
The Moscow Times reports that the summit resulted in a draft agreement outlining security guarantees, including US participation in ceasefire monitoring and support in case of Russian attack, but notes that key issues like territorial concessions are unresolved. France 24 highlights Macron's statement that allies will make concrete commitments to protect Ukraine and ensure lasting peace, emphasizing the US-led ceasefire verification mechanism. Politico underscores that the plan, pending approval, would be among the strongest signs of US commitment to Ukraine's security, including long-term military and diplomatic support. All sources agree that while progress has been made, core disagreements—particularly over territorial issues and Russia's maximalist demands—persist, complicating the path to a comprehensive peace.
How we got here
The meeting in Paris involved 35 countries, including Ukraine, the U.S., and European allies, aiming to establish security guarantees that could support a peace process in Ukraine. The discussions follow nearly four years of conflict after Russia's invasion in 2022, with ongoing disagreements over territorial concessions and NATO involvement. The U.S. and European nations seek to deter future Russian aggression through military and diplomatic commitments, but Russia's maximalist demands and geopolitical tensions complicate progress.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What Are the Latest US and European Plans for Ukraine?
Recent diplomatic talks have highlighted new security guarantees from the US and Europe for Ukraine. Leaders like Macron and Zelensky discussed measures to protect Ukraine and prevent future conflicts. But what exactly are these plans, and could they change the course of the Ukraine conflict? Below, we explore the key questions about the Western strategy for Ukraine's security and what it means for the future.
More on these topics
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.
-
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.