Historic Paris Declaration: Western Allies Commit to Ukraine's Security
In a landmark diplomatic move that could reshape Europe's security architecture, the 'Coalition of the Willing' has pledged robust security guarantees for Ukraine during a high-stakes summit in Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed an intent declaration on January 6, 2026, committing to deploy multinational forces to Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement be reached with Russia.
Multinational Force and Security Framework
The Paris Declaration outlines plans for a multinational military force of 15,000-30,000 Western troops that would be deployed on Ukrainian soil to support rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces and provide deterrence against future aggression. According to Euractiv reports, France and the United Kingdom would provide the bulk of troops, while Turkey would secure the Black Sea with U.S. support. The agreement also includes financing for the Ukrainian army, continued weapons deliveries, and long-term partnerships with Ukraine's defense industrial base.
President Macron emphasized the strategic importance of these guarantees: 'These security guarantees show that Ukraine does not need to surrender and that any future peace agreement will not be violated.' The French leader added that the guarantees allow Ukraine to know that when the conflict ends, 'it will be for good.'
U.S. Involvement and Diplomatic Significance
The presence of senior U.S. representatives marked a significant development in the coalition's efforts. American envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, former President Donald Trump's son-in-law, attended the Paris meeting, signaling Washington's support for the security framework. 'The U.S. commitment was represented by Washington's envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with the security guarantees being largely finalized,' according to diplomatic sources.
Macron described the American support as 'sincere and reliable,' noting that Washington's backing had been crucial in negotiations. This represents a shift from previous U.S. positions that emphasized European responsibility for Ukraine's security.
European Responses and Dutch Position
While the coalition has gained momentum, not all European nations have committed to troop deployments. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated he currently has no plans to send Polish military personnel, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed reluctance about Italian troops in Ukraine. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, however, indicated willingness for Spanish involvement, pending approval from his coalition and parliament.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, who attended the summit, told reporters he cannot yet confirm the Netherlands' participation in the international force. 'I must first discuss this with the House of Representatives if there is a ceasefire,' Schoof stated. He acknowledged progress in the negotiations, emphasizing: 'The most important thing is that we enable the signal to Russia to be completely clear. We want peace and stand for security guarantees if that peace exists.'
Strategic Context and Future Implications
The Coalition of the Willing, established in March 2025, represents 35 countries committed to providing enhanced support for Ukraine beyond the Ukraine Defense Contact Group's efforts. According to Wikipedia documentation, the coalition specifically pledges readiness to participate in peacekeeping forces on Ukrainian territory once a comprehensive ceasefire agreement is signed.
The Paris meeting follows Zelensky's recent discussions with former President Trump in Florida, where the Ukrainian leader noted that Trump had emphasized Ukraine's need for security guarantees. Zelensky indicated that the current peace proposal on the table has Ukraine's general approval, though Russia has yet to respond and is expected to reject the plan.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, the coalition's security guarantees represent a crucial step toward creating conditions for lasting peace while maintaining pressure on Russia to engage seriously in negotiations.