In a strategic move aimed at bolstering Ukraine's position, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the 35 countries comprising the so-called "Coalition of the Willing" had formally endorsed the "Paris Declaration." This document details robust security guarantees designed to establish a lasting and sustainable peace in Ukraine, ensuring it is not subject to future threats.
Details of guarantees and international commitments
During a press conference, the French president explained that these security guarantees, which the coalition countries intend to provide with vital American support, constitute the cornerstone of the post-war phase. Macron emphasized that the primary objective is to ensure that any potential ceasefire or peace agreement does not lead to Ukrainian surrender or become merely a temporary truce exploited by Russia to launch a new offensive. This move underscores the commitment of the majority of European countries within the coalition to protecting Kyiv's sovereignty in the long term.
Deploying a multinational force to deter aggression
In a significant development, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a joint declaration of intent regarding the deployment of a multinational force. This force, which has been under study and planning for months, is intended to be deployed following a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Following a meeting in the French capital with Kyiv's allies to present a united front against Moscow, Macron indicated that the mission of this force would be "to provide a form of reassurance and stability in the critical days following the cessation of hostilities," reflecting a shift in Western strategy from merely providing arms support to direct involvement in future peacekeeping.
Strategic context and the importance of guarantees
These moves are of paramount importance given the timing of the conflict, as the Russian invasion nears its fourth year. These guarantees address a long-standing security concern for the Ukrainian leadership: the fear that Kyiv would be left alone to face Moscow if the fighting were to end without full NATO membership. This step sends a powerful political message that Western support for Ukraine is evolving into a long-term, institutional framework, moving beyond ad hoc aid.
Ukrainian welcome and a step towards a just peace
For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the security guarantees documents, describing them as a historic step. "The important thing is that the coalition now has fundamental documents that go beyond mere diplomatic rhetoric," Zelenskyy said at a press conference. He praised what he called the "concrete content" that demonstrates a genuine commitment to working toward real security, asserting that the presence of multinational forces and written guarantees is the only way to ensure that past scenarios of aggression are not repeated.
