Key Points
- Emmanuel Macron reveals that 26 countries will offer Ukraine security protections post-conflict, covering land, sea, and air.
- France and the UK are open to sending troops, while Italy is focusing on training roles and ceasefire oversight.
- Vladimir Putin has declared any Western military presence in Ukraine as “legitimate targets”.
Macron, along with other European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, engaged in discussions with US President Donald Trump after their summit, with details about US involvement in these assurances expected soon.
French President Emmanuel Macron (left) has pledged enhanced European security support for Ukraine beyond the conflict. Source: Getty / Mustafa Yalcin
The meeting of 35 leaders from the “coalition of the willing” — of mainly European countries — was intended to finalise security guarantees and ask Trump for the backing Europeans say is vital to make such guarantees viable.
European representatives acknowledge that peace appears distant at present but aim to be prepared when the conflict concludes. They also wish to assure Ukraine of their solidarity, hoping for US collaboration in their initiatives.
He did not say how many troops would be involved in the guarantees.
‘Very specific substance’
Germany and other nations have committed to participating in this endeavor, with Germany clarifying that any military commitment will depend on clear conditions, including details of US participation in security guarantees.
“The agreement among 26 countries to offer security assurances is unprecedentedly specific and substantial,” noted Macron.
Trump pressures European leaders over Russian oil
Macron also stated that coalition members and the US have agreed to collaborate more closely on future sanctions, particularly targeting Russia’s energy sector, and regarding China.
