Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
Thursday, 30 countries will dicuss future security guarantees for Ukraine.
Thursday, 30 countries will dicuss future security guarantees for Ukraine.
What is happening?
President Putin said Russia has never opposed Ukraine joining the EU.
Speaking in China, he made clear that Russia’s main concern lies with NATO, not European economic ties.
Open to security talks with Ukraine
Putin said there’s room for agreement on security guarantees for both Russia and Ukraine — if the conflict ends.
He called this a possible area for consensus.
European fears called “hysteria”
He dismissed claims that Russia could attack other European countries, calling such warnings “hysteria” and “horror stories” without basis.
NATO still a red line
While the EU is acceptable, NATO remains a major issue for Moscow.
Putin drew a firm line between the two, saying NATO expansion is a serious threat.
2022 war framed as a reaction
Putin repeated that the invasion of Ukraine was a forced response to the West’s attempt to bring former Soviet states into NATO.
Possibility of a deal
“There are options for ensuring Ukraine’s security,” Putin also said, adding that a solution might be possible once fighting stops.
NATO Is the real concern
Putin made it clear: Russia can accept Ukraine in the EU — but joining NATO is a step too far.
Allies gathering for Ukraine peace security talks
France will host a mostly virtual summit on Thursday with around 30 countries to discuss long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.
The goal is to prepare coordinated support for the country once a peace agreement with Russia is reached—and to call out Moscow’s refusal to engage in negotiations.
Revisiting the Coalition of the Willing
Launched by France and the UK in February, the “coalition of the willing” has been working to define what military backing Ukraine would receive to prevent future attacks.
U.S. security guarantees remain a sticking point
However, several European nations have made clear they won’t move forward without firm security assurances from the U.S.
But with little sign of commitment from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, planning efforts have hit a wall.
No progress since Putin-Trump meeting
Diplomats say Thursday’s talks will underscore the lack of movement since Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in August.
Direct talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy have yet to materialize.
Zelenskiy to attend in person
President Zelenskiy is expected in Paris for the talks, though most other leaders will join virtually.
It’s not yet confirmed whether the U.S. will attend, but officials say Washington will be briefed afterward.
