A gathering of European defense ministers will center on establishing a peacekeeping force, which is considered essential for the security guarantees that Ukraine believes are crucial to deter any future Russian aggression following a ceasefire.
Defense ministers from the five leading military nations in Europe – France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Poland – will be convened this morning in Paris by French President Emmanuel Macron.
This meeting coincides with Europe’s ongoing efforts to create a security guarantee framework for Ukraine, potentially including a peacekeeping force, as part of a comprehensive peace agreement with Russia.
Just yesterday, Ukraine accepted a US proposal calling for a 30-day ceasefire and immediate negotiation talks after discussions held in Saudi Arabia.
The agreement reached in Jeddah followed a lengthy nine hours of discussions between a US delegation led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian representatives, including the foreign minister and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff.
Read more: Martin welcomes Ukraine, US ceasefire negotiations Latest Ukraine stories
Ukraine had initially suggested a partial truce aimed at halting air and maritime assaults from both sides.
Nevertheless, the joint statement extended beyond this, advocating for a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire and the initiation of peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Officials from both the US and Ukraine also indicated they would finalize a deal to secure US access to Ukraine’s mineral resources “as soon as possible.”
The Russian news agency Tass reported statements from the foreign ministry asserting that significant developments for Russia would originate not from the US or Ukraine, but from Moscow.
The agreement reached in Saudi Arabia emerged after nine hours of negotiations between delegations from the US and Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reportedly stated that Russia would not accept NATO troops on Ukrainian soil.
Mr. Rubio mentioned that the US intends to present the proposal to Russia, hoping that Moscow would agree to pursue peace.
If that is not the case, he asserted, the obstacles to peace would become evident.
President Trump is anticipated to have a conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in the coming days, and he indicated that President Zelensky might return to the White House at a future time.
US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz noted that the discussions in Jeddah encompassed critical elements regarding a potential permanent resolution to the conflict, including the types of guarantees that would be available for Ukraine’s long-term security.
Mr. Macron has expressed his support for the US-Ukrainian initiative.
