On September 4, a so-called Coalition of the Willing met in Paris, gathering leaders from 35 countries, both in-person and virtually, including Ukraine. The central topic was establishing security guarantees for Ukraine after the end of the war.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the decision had already been developed at the level of defense ministers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that 26 nations are ready to provide Ukraine with legally binding guarantees, pending ratification by their parliaments, though this has not yet occurred.
According to Reuters, the guarantees involve military support, including the potential deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine post-war, provided hostilities have ceased. The main element is a strong Ukrainian army and maintaining defense capabilities without any restrictions. The final formats for coalition countries' involvement in air, maritime, or cyber defense are still being determined.
Work on the guarantees will continue. Macron noted that the process would be finalized with President Trump, underlining the key role of US backing. Zelensky also emphasized that EU membership is a vital guarantee, reflecting Ukraine’s strategic European choice.
Discussions also touched on possible compromises regarding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which remains under Russian control. Russia has proposed joint management ideas, but Ukraine demands full sovereignty over the facility. Negotiations on the plant and related security matters are ongoing, with US participation expected to be significant.
The location of future peace talks with Russia remains unresolved. Zelensky supports a neutral country, while Putin insists on Moscow. Diplomatic options are under consideration. Meanwhile, fighting continues, with Russian efforts focusing on Donbas and the south.
The Paris meeting demonstrated renewed momentum in the negotiation process and a willingness among many countries to back Ukraine both militarily and politically. Security guarantees and international support remain crucial for Ukraine’s resilience in the current situation.
