Leaders from approximately 30 countries, along with NATO and EU representatives, convened in Paris to discuss enhancing assistance to Ukraine and deploying European troops to ensure long-term peace. French President Emmanuel Macron proposed a strategy to send “reassurance forces” from various European countries to strategic locations within Ukraine, contingent on a peace agreement with Russia. These forces are intended to deter potential Russian aggression and will be stationed in cities and bases rather than on the front lines. Macron emphasized that these troops would not replace Ukrainian armed forces or serve as peacekeeping troops. This proposition will be further explored by military chiefs of staff to determine the specifics of the deployment. According to Macron, such forces would complement, not diminish, NATO’s efforts on its eastern flank. However, not all countries at the summit agreed with this plan, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her Polish counterpart Donald Tusk stating that their countries would not send troops to Ukraine. Macron also mentioned a Franco-British team’s dispatch to Ukraine to assess the requirements for Kyiv’s army, aiming to prevent future Russian aggression and hinting at a need for European independence in this endeavor. Despite discussions on easing sanctions, Macron reiterated his stance against lifting them too soon, contrasting with the US’s decision to lift some sanctions on Russia, particularly regarding agricultural trade. The summit aimed to establish the foundation for long-term security guarantees and reform the Ukrainian army into a primary defense against Russian threats, amid ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire. Despite agreements on safeguarding Black Sea shipping and halting strikes on energy infrastructure, disagreements persist, and the conflict remains ongoing, with recent Russian attacks causing casualties in Ukraine.

Source: https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/03/27/coalition-of-the-willing-meets-in-paris-to-strengthen-support-for-ukraine