More than two dozen countries have pledged to form a multinational force to deploy in Ukraine once a peace deal or ceasefire with Russia is reached, in what leaders described Thursday as a key step to prevent Moscow from reigniting the conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron, hosting a summit in Paris attended by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, said 26 nations had formally committed to the initiative. Some leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, joined remotely.
The planned “reassurance force” would not be stationed on the front lines but would operate on land, sea, and air in Ukraine to deter future aggression. Another component, Macron said, would focus on rebuilding and modernizing Ukraine’s military to strengthen its capacity to resist and dissuade attacks.
“This is the first serious, concrete step of its kind in a long time,” Zelensky said, welcoming the announcement.
Yet questions remain about the level of U.S. involvement. European leaders spoke with President Donald Trump via video conference following the summit, but Washington has not confirmed how it would participate. Macron insisted the U.S. was “very clear” about supporting security guarantees, though officials in Washington have remained cautious.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced support but urged restraint over the scope of the mission, reflecting divisions within the coalition.
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The announcement comes against a backdrop of renewed concern over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stance. His visit to Beijing this week, where he attended a military parade with President Xi Jinping, was seen as a signal of defiance. Putin declared Russian troops were advancing “on all fronts” in Ukraine.
On Thursday, a Russian rocket strike in northern Ukraine killed two staff members of the Danish Refugee Council who were clearing mines, according to local officials.
Western frustration has grown over what leaders describe as Putin’s unwillingness to negotiate. Macron warned that if Russia continued to reject peace talks, the West would impose additional sanctions in coordination with the United States.
“This is about more than security guarantees,” Macron said. “It is about ensuring that Russia cannot simply wait, regroup, and strike again.”