Paris: European allies of Ukraine, alongside US envoys, are meeting Tuesday in Paris, to discuss the security guarantees that could be provided to Kyiv and to examine the potential structure of a multinational force in the event of a ceasefire deal with Russia.
According to Qatar News Agency, the meeting takes place under what is being called the Coalition of the Willing, amid European efforts to coordinate a unified stance on supporting Ukraine, alongside intensified diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict that has persisted since 2022.
French sources indicate that the summit marks the culmination of a diplomatic track that began a year ago, with the aim of maintaining coordination between Europe and the United States on the Ukrainian issue, particularly regarding future security guarantees.
French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to receive Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the summit, along with US envoys, while the meeting will see participation from leaders and officials from approximately 35 countries, including 27 heads of state or government.
Macron and Zelensky are also expected to hold a press conference at the conclusion of the summit, together with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
According to the French Presidency, the meeting will focus on developing a shared vision for potential ceasefire mechanisms and their monitoring, including the use of drones or satellites, as well as response procedures in the event of any breach of an agreement.
The discussions will also cover operational aspects related to deploying a multinational force, aimed at providing security assurances for Ukraine on air, sea, and land levels, noting that certain details, such as the size of the force or its funding, may not be disclosed for reasons of military confidentiality.
The meeting comes at a time when recent communications between Kyiv, Washington, and Moscow have produced no concrete progress on key thorny issues, foremost among them the territorial claims asserted by Russia.
The Kremlin, in recent days, announced a hardening of its positions, following accusations that Ukraine attempted to target the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin with drones - allegations denied by Kyiv - while Moscow maintains that it continues to pursue its objectives in Ukraine, whether through negotiations or military means.