(Reuters): The United States on Tuesday, for the first time, publicly backed a broad coalition of Ukraine’s allies in pledging security guarantees aimed at protecting Kyiv against any future Russian aggression. The commitment was announced at a summit in Paris bringing together the “coalition of the willing,” made up largely of European nations seeking to reassure Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014 and launched a full-scale invasion in 2022.
Unlike previous meetings, the summit included senior US figures, among them special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, as well as the top US general in Europe, Alexus Grynkewich.
A day earlier, Grynkewich discussed the contours of potential security guarantees with European military chiefs. Speaking after the talks, Witkoff said President Trump “strongly stands behind security protocols” designed both to deter renewed attacks and to defend Ukraine if deterrence fails, calling them “as strong as anyone has ever seen.” Kushner stressed that any final peace deal must leave Ukraine “secure” with credible deterrence and firm safeguards.
Coalition leaders said allies would take part in a proposed US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism, likely relying on drones, sensors and satellites rather than American troops. While the statement stopped short of explicit US endorsement and softened language on Washington’s role, European officials said the presence and remarks of US envoys underscored American backing for the framework.
As diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year war accelerate, Moscow has shown no public willingness to accept concessions or the type of security guarantees envisioned by Ukraine’s allies. Russia has repeatedly rejected the idea of NATO troops operating inside Ukraine. The focus of allied discussions has now shifted from military aid pledges to legally binding commitments to assist Kyiv in the event of another Russian attack. Such guarantees could include military, intelligence and logistical support, diplomatic measures and additional sanctions, according to the leaders’ statement.
French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders hailed the meeting as evidence of renewed transatlantic unity. France and Britain also signed a declaration of intent on deploying a European-led multinational force in Ukraine after a ceasefire, with Macron saying this could involve thousands of French troops. Starmer said the agreement would lay the legal groundwork for British, French and partner forces to operate in Ukraine, helping to secure its airspace and seas and rebuild its armed forces for the future.
