Ukraine’s Allies Gather While Questions Arise About US Support and Security Promises

Allies of Ukraine have convened to deliberate on security assurances amid rising uncertainties regarding ongoing support from the United States.

On Thursday, approximately 30 Western leaders engaged in discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy regarding security guarantees for Kyiv in the context of a potential peace agreement with Russia, amid increasing concerns about the extent of support from the United States.

The summit, held in Paris, convened leaders from Europe, Australia, Japan, and Canada, with several neighboring countries participating through video link. The discussions focused on finalizing strategies within the “coalition of the willing” to provide military support for Ukraine, intended to dissuade Russia from initiating further assaults should a truce be established.

Nevertheless, the initiatives have come to a standstill due to worries that any European military involvement would necessitate US security assurances as a “backstop.” Up to this point, President Donald Trump has not provided a clear commitment. Steve Witkoff, his special envoy, engaged with multiple senior European officials in Paris on Thursday morning prior to the summit, as reported by diplomats.

On Wednesday in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron, alongside Zelenskiy, stated that coalition leaders would support “plans for security guarantees developed by their militaries.” Two European officials verified that the “technical” plans have been finalized, yet they refrained from disclosing specific details.

The leaders were anticipated to receive briefings from the British and French army chiefs on Thursday. “We are prepared, we Europeans, to offer security guarantees to Ukraine once a peace agreement is signed,” Macron remarked, emphasizing that much hinges on “the sincerity of Russia.”

European officials suggested that the summit was intended to convey a political message to Trump by emphasizing the stagnation in direct peace negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskiy. Since Trump hosted Putin in Alaska in August, there has been minimal progress. On Wednesday, Trump accused Putin of “conspiring with China and North Korea” following a rare display of unity among the three leaders at a Beijing commemoration marking the end of World War Two.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed his anticipation for “clarity from the coalition soon on what could be delivered,” noting that this would facilitate more targeted discussions with Washington regarding its potential role in offering security guarantees.

On Wednesday, Putin informed Kyiv that there remained an opportunity to conclude the war through negotiations “if common sense prevails,” while also cautioning that he was ready to accomplish his goals “by force” if required. Western officials emphasize that sustained robust support for Ukraine’s armed forces will be a fundamental aspect of any security agreement.

Plans are anticipated to incorporate an international force aimed at assisting and reassuring Kyiv, with bases in both Ukraine and neighboring countries. Russia has firmly opposed the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine. Diplomats indicate that notable disparities persist among Ukraine’s allies regarding the way forward.

European leaders have asserted that the viability of such a force hinges on the support of Washington. Despite Trump’s pledge of “general support” last month, the US has not yet provided clarity on its potential contributions. The French presidency announced that certain European leaders plan to reach out to Trump directly following the summit to obtain stronger commitments.

John Foreman, a former British defence attaché to Kyiv and Moscow, warned that Zelenskiy needs to thoroughly evaluate “exactly what is on offer” as he considers his stance before possible direct negotiations with Russia. “That being acknowledged, there is an increasing understanding that a robust Ukraine and Ukrainian military are essential for peace, that European support must be enduring, and that Ukraine likely cannot depend on its allies to intervene against Russia in the event of a renewed attack,” he stated.

“This is all preparatory work for a peace that continues to feel elusive and distant because of Trump’s inconsistent diplomacy and the absence of meaningful discussions,” Foreman added.