European Leaders Reach Consensus on Stronger Support for Ukraine, Disagree Over ‘Reassurance Force’
European leaders have reiterated their enduring commitment to Ukraine during a summit held in Paris, yet they seemed to make limited advancements on their potential role in offering security assurances in the event a peace agreement is reached with Russia.
This was the third summit of what France and Britain have termed the “coalition of the willing,” reflecting growing concerns among Europeans that the US is no longer a steadfast supporter of Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against Russia that has lasted three years.
US President Donald Trump, who has been in office since January 20, expressed his desire for a quick resolution to the conflict.
Nevertheless, various bilateral discussions between the US and the conflicting parties have not yet resulted in a significant reduction of hostilities.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
He also mentioned that he envisions a peace agreement developing “within days and weeks, not months.”
European initiatives aimed at establishing security arrangements for Ukraine are shifting away from troop deployments towards alternative solutions due to political and logistical challenges, as well as the potential opposition from Russia and the US to their proposals.
Regardless, co-host French President Emmanuel Macron indicated that several nations have agreed to explore a Franco-British proposal for what he referred to as a “reassurance force” that would be stationed in Ukraine should a peace deal be established, aimed at deterring any future Russian aggression.
“It was not unanimous today, as is well-known, and we do not require unanimity,” Mr. Macron stated during a press conference.
Military delegations will be traveling to Ukraine in the upcoming days to begin discussions on the long-term structure of a robust Ukrainian military, he added.
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Europe faces pressure from Mr. Trump to assume a significantly larger share of the security responsibilities in its region, but the continent’s sluggish economic growth and high debt levels have complicated these efforts.
While the United States was absent from the summit, French officials assured that the results of the meeting would be communicated to the Trump administration.
The proposed “reassurance force” to be stationed in Ukraine would aim to provide security guarantees and deter any future hostility from Russia, although there are currently few signs that the United States would support this initiative.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin was among the leaders who participated in today’s summit in Paris.
Following the four-hour discussion, Mr. Martin stated: “There was unanimous agreement that sanctions should not be lifted and cannot be lifted until a fair and comprehensive peace is achieved in Ukraine.”
The Taoiseach expressed that there was significant backing at the meeting for Ukraine, emphasizing the need to strengthen the country’s military capabilities in the event of a ceasefire.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Taoiseach Micheál Martin to the Elysee Palace ahead of the summit.
Mr. Martin mentioned that there were two concurrent discussions regarding peacekeeping: one focusing on a deterrence force and the other on a ceasefire monitoring force.
“Ireland has certainly indicated its willingness to take part in that,” he told reporters in Paris.
“On the other side of the debate, discussions have revolved around a deterrence force, or possibly a force that would show solidarity with Ukraine.”
The Taoiseach noted that Ireland had made an initial contribution of €100 million in immediate assistance for Ukraine, part of the country’s funding through the European Peace facility that had been stalled by Hungary.
“In terms of financial support, we are committed to training (Ukrainian troops)… and also in demining and other areas.”
No support for sanctions relief.
There was widespread consensus at the summit that it would be a strategic misstep to prematurely lift sanctions on Russia, a condition that the Russians have set for a ceasefire agreement in the Black Sea.
“There was absolute clarity that Russia is attempting to delay negotiations and is playing games; we must be entirely transparent about that,” Mr. Starmer remarked after the meeting, standing next to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
There was “complete clarity that now is not the time for the lifting of sanctions; quite the opposite,” Mr. Starmer added.
Mr. Zelensky, who agreed earlier this month to advance ceasefire discussions to ensure the resumption of US aid and intelligence sharing that were temporarily halted by Mr. Trump, stated that stronger sanctions against Russia are essential.
Read more: Zelensky urges US to remain ‘strong’ amid Russian demands; Leaders balancing politics with military capabilities at Paris summit; Latest Ukraine stories.
Following a meeting last night with Mr. Zelensky, Mr. Macron urged Russia to accept a 30-day ceasefire, stating that Russia has no authority to dictate how Europe should support Ukraine or to set conditions.
France pledged 2 billion euros in new military aid to Ukraine ahead of the gathering of approximately 30 leaders.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused France and Britain of conspiring for “military intervention in Ukraine” under the pretense of a peacekeeping mission, warning that such an intervention could escalate into a direct military conflict between Russia and NATO.
Highlighting the varying perspectives among Ukraine’s allies, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reiterated his country’s opposition to any such force yesterday.
(We are) not dispatching troops on a mission unless they are part of the United Nations; that is the only condition for us to deploy military personnel” in Ukraine, Mr. Tajani stated.
Poland has previously indicated it would not deploy troops in Ukraine, while Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala remarked that it is “premature” to discuss sending European forces to Ukraine before the terms of any ceasefire are established.
