KEY POINTS
- US would lead ceasefire monitoring in Ukraine with European participation.
- Washington pledges to support European-led multinational force in Ukraine.
- Paris summit hosted by Macron includes Zelensky, European leaders, and US envoys.
PARIS: The United States would lead a ceasefire monitoring mechanism with European participation if a peace deal is agreed in the Russia-Ukraine war, according to a draft statement, cited by AFP on Tuesday, ahead of a summit in Paris.
The draft statement also outlined a US commitment to support a European-led multinational force deployed in Ukraine after any ceasefire, “in case of” a renewed Russian attack.
Paris summit on security guarantees
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted the meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing,” bringing together Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European leaders, and senior US envoys.
The talks focused on the security guarantees Ukraine would require after a ceasefire with Russia to end the war.
“There will be a continuous, reliable ceasefire monitoring system. This will be led by the US with international participation,” the draft statement said as cited by AFP.
The multinational force would provide “reassurance measures in the air, at sea and on land” and support the regeneration of Ukraine’s armed forces.
These elements would be European-led, with the US contributing capabilities including intelligence, logistics, and a pledge to support the force in case of Russian attack, the document added.
The draft statement called for binding commitments to support Ukraine in the event of a future armed attack by Russia.
Measures could include the use of military capabilities, intelligence, logistical support, diplomatic initiatives, and additional sanctions.
Participation of global leaders
More than 30 countries participated in the Paris meeting, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Senior US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, were also present, AFP reported.
Zelensky met Trump last month in Florida, claiming that a US-backed plan to end the war was 90% agreed, although key issues remain unresolved.
The remaining 10% reportedly involves territorial concessions that Kyiv is being pressured to accept.
Russia currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk region and nearly all of neighbouring Luhansk, together forming the industrial Donbas area.
Moscow has consistently opposed any temporary ceasefire and called for concrete steps to ensure permanent end to the hostilities.
Territorial disputes and peace prospects
Zelensky has repeatedly warned that ceding territory would embolden Moscow and undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The Ukrainian constitution forbids giving up land, and Kyiv has insisted on security guarantees to prevent renewed Russian attack.
Russia’s insistence on full control of Donbas complicates negotiations, and prospects for a ceasefire remain uncertain.
The Paris talks are occurring as the US faces global scrutiny following its military operation in Venezuela, which saw the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
President Trump also raised the possibility of annexing Greenland, prompting concern from European allies including Denmark.
However, Macron has emphasised keeping the summit focused on Ukraine. The meeting seeks to coordinate security guarantees, post-ceasefire multinational forces, and support for Ukraine’s armed forces and economy.
