Western Allies Unite Behind Ukraine as Ceasefire Talks Enter Critical Stage
In a significant show of unity, leaders from 35 countries, including major Western powers such as the US, UK, France, and Germany, have agreed to key security guarantees for Ukraine. The declaration comes after nearly four years of conflict sparked by Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
The agreements include a US-led monitoring mechanism with European participation, which would be deployed on Ukrainian territory once a ceasefire is reached. French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the progress as "robust security guarantees for a solid and lasting peace," citing an "operational convergence" among allies, including the United States.
However, the deal is contingent upon Russia agreeing to a ceasefire, whose intentions remain unclear. The conflict has resulted in widespread destruction and thousands of casualties, with tensions between Europe and the US still simmering.
The agreements also include a European multinational force that would be deployed on Ukrainian territory after a ceasefire, as well as a US-Ukraine-Coalition coordination cell in Paris to facilitate cooperation. While details of the force's deployment remain unclear, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that "we can only get to a peace deal if Putin is ready to make compromises."
Germany, which has been hesitant to contribute troops to a multinational force, said it would join the monitoring mechanism but based in a neighboring country. Chancellor Friedrich Merz cautioned that "we will not achieve textbook diplomatic solutions" and emphasized the need for compromise.
The unity among Western allies comes as tensions between Europe and the US remain high, with recent disputes over US foreign policy under Donald Trump. The US envoy Steve Witkoff acknowledged progress but warned that the most critical issue – land options – would require further compromise.
As negotiations continue, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that "these are not just words" and highlighting concrete content to the joint declaration by coalition countries.
In a significant show of unity, leaders from 35 countries, including major Western powers such as the US, UK, France, and Germany, have agreed to key security guarantees for Ukraine. The declaration comes after nearly four years of conflict sparked by Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
The agreements include a US-led monitoring mechanism with European participation, which would be deployed on Ukrainian territory once a ceasefire is reached. French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the progress as "robust security guarantees for a solid and lasting peace," citing an "operational convergence" among allies, including the United States.
However, the deal is contingent upon Russia agreeing to a ceasefire, whose intentions remain unclear. The conflict has resulted in widespread destruction and thousands of casualties, with tensions between Europe and the US still simmering.
The agreements also include a European multinational force that would be deployed on Ukrainian territory after a ceasefire, as well as a US-Ukraine-Coalition coordination cell in Paris to facilitate cooperation. While details of the force's deployment remain unclear, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that "we can only get to a peace deal if Putin is ready to make compromises."
Germany, which has been hesitant to contribute troops to a multinational force, said it would join the monitoring mechanism but based in a neighboring country. Chancellor Friedrich Merz cautioned that "we will not achieve textbook diplomatic solutions" and emphasized the need for compromise.
The unity among Western allies comes as tensions between Europe and the US remain high, with recent disputes over US foreign policy under Donald Trump. The US envoy Steve Witkoff acknowledged progress but warned that the most critical issue – land options – would require further compromise.
As negotiations continue, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that "these are not just words" and highlighting concrete content to the joint declaration by coalition countries.