On September 4, a meeting was held in Paris between the British-French Coalition of the Willing and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, dedicated to future security guarantees for Ukraine. This was reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The discussions were attended by heads of state and leaders of 35 countries and international organizations, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Finnish President Alexander Stubbs, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
Central role for the Ukrainian army
Macron stressed that a strong Ukrainian army must be the basis of all security guarantees after the end of the war. The participants in the meeting united around the position that Russia cannot impose restrictions on the size or capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces.
According to the French president, the allies must provide funds to rebuild the Ukrainian army to deter future Russian aggression.
26 countries have already agreed in principle to send ground forces or provide support by sea and air. Macron specified that foreign troops would be deployed only after a possible ceasefire or peace agreement, and then away from the front lines.
Support from the US and Europe
France and Britain have already expressed their readiness to deploy troops in post-war Ukraine. Macron announced that the US had participated in every stage of the negotiations and that its final support for the European guarantees was expected in the coming days.
However, Germany will decide on its military participation only after the framework of the agreement becomes clear.
Russian refusal
The Kremlin has categorically rejected the possibility of a foreign military presence in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow would not discuss "any foreign interference in Ukraine's security in any form."
Russia continues to insist on restrictions on the Ukrainian army, citing the draft Istanbul peace agreement of 2022, which Moscow says should serve as the basis for future negotiations.
Ukrainian position
President Zelensky said the coalition could support the Ukrainian army not only with weapons and training, but also with funding for the production of weapons in the country. Countries that do not have their own military forces could contribute financially.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the intention of partners to supply long-range missiles to Ukraine.
Sanctions against Russia
The coalition also discussed new sanctions against Russia with US President Donald Trump. According to “Reuters“, Trump has called on European leaders to end purchases of Russian oil and put economic pressure on China over its support for the Russian military effort.
Macron confirmed that the countries had agreed to work more closely on future sanctions, particularly against the Russian energy sector and Chinese involvement in the war.