August M
A shift in Washington’s stance has emerged as Ukraine’s allies met in Paris to discuss the future of the war and the terms of any ceasefire. The gathering signalled renewed diplomatic momentum, even as major questions remain unanswered.
Leaders framed the talks as a step toward long-term stability rather than an immediate end to fighting.
New US backing
According to Reuters, the United States for the first time backed a broad coalition pledge to provide security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of another Russian attack. The commitment was discussed at a Paris summit of the so-called “coalition of the willing,” made up largely of European nations.
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner attended alongside Europe’s political leaders, marking a stronger American presence than at previous meetings. U.S. General Alexus Grynkewich, Washington’s top military commander in Europe, also took part after holding earlier talks with European army chiefs.
Deterrence focus
Speaking after the summit, Witkoff said President Donald Trump “strongly stands behind security protocols.” He added: “Those security protocols are meant to … deter any attacks, any further attacks in Ukraine, and … if there are any attacks, they’re meant to defend.”
Kushner said any final agreement would require confidence in Ukraine’s future safety. “They have to know that after a deal they are secure, they have, obviously, a robust deterrence, and there’s real backstops to make sure that this will not happen again,” he said.
Ceasefire monitoring
A joint statement said allies would take part in a proposed U.S.-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism. Officials told Reuters this would likely rely on drones, sensors and satellites rather than U.S. troops.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the outcome “a signal of how seriously Europe and the entire coalition of the willing are ready to work for real security.” However, he said key details on monitoring and long-term funding for Ukraine’s army still needed clarification.
Binding guarantees
Diplomats said the talks marked a shift away from short-term military aid toward legally binding security guarantees. The leaders’ statement said commitments could include “the use of military capabilities, intelligence and logistical support,” as well as new sanctions.
France and Britain also signed a declaration on the possible deployment of multinational forces after a ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron said this could involve thousands of French troops, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it would help secure Ukraine’s skies and seas.
Russia has so far given no public indication it would accept a deal containing such guarantees, Reuters reported.
Sources: Reuters
