On January 6, Paris hosted a key meeting of European leaders focusing on Ukraine’s security. The conference included delegates from European states as well as representatives from the US, including those linked to Donald Trump. The main topic was the draft communiqué on security guarantees for Ukraine, which, according to President Zelensky, could pave the way for freezing the war in Ukraine.
Journalists obtained a draft of this document. It envisions US support in achieving a ceasefire through intelligence and logistics as well as joint planning of security measures by land, sea, and air. The restoration of Ukraine’s Armed Forces is also part of this initiative, to be implemented after a reliable ceasefire. Europe will lead these measures with US involvement. Additionally, should the war resume, the US pledges support as part of the security framework.
The monitoring of the ceasefire will be coordinated by the US, with a special commission to consider violations. The draft also provides for multinational support and revitalization of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as diplomatic steps and sanctions. Currently, the document is a framework and lacks specifics about ratification by parliaments.
Separately, France, the UK, and Turkey have proposed deploying peacekeeping forces, up to 30,000 troops, in western Ukraine with US logistical support. Simultaneously, the situation remains tense on Ukraine’s eastern front; evacuation of civilians from Donbas, Dnipropetrovsk, and Sumy regions continues amid security concerns.
Meanwhile, Venezuela has become an international focus after increased repression following Maduro’s power grab, with reports of mass detentions of journalists. The country is under a state of emergency, security forces are checking citizens for US support, and acting president Delcy Rodríguez faces human rights abuse accusations and ties to Russia, China, and Iran. The US currently lacks a clear plan on further action in Venezuela, while its military operation has weakened the Kremlin’s position in the region.
Reports also emerged about the potential US seizure of a tanker previously transporting Venezuelan and Iranian oil, now under the Russian flag, intensifying tensions between Washington and Moscow.
The Paris summit and events in Venezuela illustrate the international community's engagement in security, peace, and human rights. The outcomes may influence future developments both in Europe and globally.
