Group under a Common Agenda discusses security assurances - Discussion Initiated Among the Coalition on Security Assurances
France Leads International Efforts for Security Guarantees in Ukraine
France is spearheading a coalition of willing nations in an attempt to provide security guarantees to Ukraine, with the aim of pushing Russia towards a ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of France's continuous support during a meeting in Paris.
According to Macron, the security guarantees include support for the Ukrainian army, the deployment of ground troops by coalition member countries, and the USA securing these deployments. However, no concrete plans for a Bundeswehr (German military) deployment have been made, and a ceasefire would need to be achieved first.
The consultations in Paris are aimed at discussing these security guarantees. Heads of state and government from Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Poland, and Germany are expected to attend the meeting, with Merz expressing "significant reservations" regarding a deployment of the Bundeswehr to Ukraine.
In addition to Zelensky, other attendees in person are not specified in the text. Around two dozen other heads of state and government, including Merz, will participate via video link. The EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President António Costa will also participate in person.
A telephone call with US President Donald Trump is scheduled for 14:00, but it is unclear whether the call will be only with Macron or include all involved parties. US President's advisor Steve Witkoff is to participate in the consultations in Paris.
The security guarantees are to be contributed to "according to ability", not necessarily through the deployment of soldiers. The coalition of the willing expects the USA to clarify their contribution to the security guarantees. The Élysée reported previously about the intention to send a message to the USA.
The consultations come at a critical time as the conflict in Eastern Ukraine continues, and the international community seeks to exert pressure on Russia for a ceasefire. The security guarantees are intended to be a part of these efforts. Macron stated that preparations are complete for these security guarantees, and the meeting with Zelensky was intended to send a message to the USA to exert more pressure on Russia for a ceasefire.
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