Macron announces security guarantees for Ukraine via the Paris Declaration
French President Emmanuel Macron announced a pivotal step in Western support for Kyiv, asserting that the "Paris Declaration," endorsed by the 35 member states of the so-called "Coalition of the Willing," lays the foundation for robust security guarantees aimed at achieving a lasting and sustainable peace in Ukraine. This declaration solidifies a long-term international commitment that goes beyond immediate military support to securing Ukraine's sovereign future.
Details of the new security guarantees
During a press conference held after the meeting, the French president explained that these security guarantees are not merely diplomatic promises, but rather practical mechanisms that the coalition countries—mostly European, with strategic American support—intend to activate as soon as a potential ceasefire is reached. Macron emphasized that the fundamental objective of these guarantees is to prevent any interpretation of the peace agreement as a "Ukrainian surrender," and to ensure that any de-escalation does not become an opportunity for Russia to regroup and launch a new threat against Ukrainian territory in the future.
Project to deploy a multinational force
In a significant development reflecting the seriousness of the alliance, 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 any ceasefire in Ukraine.
Macron indicated that the function of this force would be to "provide a form of reassurance and stability" in the critical phase following the cessation of hostilities, reflecting the allies' desire for a tangible deterrent on the ground to prevent a resumption of conflict, which represents a strong message of unity in the face of Moscow years after the start of the Russian invasion.
Ukrainian welcome for the move from words to deeds
For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the adopted documents, considering them a qualitative leap in Kyiv's relationship with its allies. "The important thing is that the alliance now has fundamental documents that go beyond mere diplomatic rhetoric," Zelenskyy said at a press conference. The Ukrainian president praised what he called the "concrete content" of the guarantees, emphasizing that they demonstrate a genuine commitment to working for Ukraine's security, not just providing political support.
Strategic context and importance of the alliance
The "Coalition of the Willing" and the "Paris Declaration" have acquired paramount strategic importance in light of current geopolitical challenges. As the war drags on for years, Western states are seeking to institutionalize their support for Ukraine through bilateral and multilateral security agreements, ensuring the continuity of this support regardless of internal political changes in allied countries. These guarantees serve as a vital security bridge for Ukraine on its path toward integration with the Euro-Atlantic security system, and reaffirm that Europe's security is inextricably linked to Ukraine's security and sovereignty.
