On January 6, Ukrainian allies met in Paris (France) to finalize commitments to contribute to future security assurances, thereby reassuring Kiev in the scenario of reaching a ceasefire agreement with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend a meeting with European leaders in the French capital, alongside senior US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. This is part of a broader effort to build a common stance between Ukraine, Europe and the United States, before reaching out to Russia.
Before the meeting, diplomats said that military officials, including the Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Army, were present in Paris to concretize the commitments on paper, creating a basis for leaders to offer political assurances. To date, most of the military commitments are still general.
According to a document sent to 35 invited delegations, the meeting will focus on ensuring contributions to a multinational force deployed in Ukraine in case of a ceasefire, with the coordination of Kiev and the support of the United States.
The host country also aims to unify contributions to a wider range of security assurances for Ukraine, including binding commitments in case the country is attacked again.
Efforts will be made to ensure that the planning of the "Ready-to-Act Alliance" is closely coordinated with the negotiating positions of Ukraine, the United States and Europe.
The document also proposed unifying the next steps to strengthen support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia if Moscow refuses to participate in substantive negotiations.
We have reached consensus on the operational details of the security assurances," a French Presidential Palace official told reporters ahead of the conference. "We will clarify the structure of these assurances as well as the necessity of long-term commitments from all parties involved.
In a speech on the evening of January 5 (local time), President Zelensky hoped that meetings in Europe would add another contribution to Ukraine's defense capabilities and help the end of the conflict get closer.
Ukraine will prepare for both scenarios: diplomacy - the path we are pursuing, or continuing proactive defense if pressure from partners on Russia is not enough. Ukraine desires peace" - Mr. Zelensky said.
