A bold new framework for a lasting peace in Ukraine emerged Tuesday, solidified by a declaration signed by the United Kingdom and France. The agreement, forged in Paris amongst a coalition of nations, outlines a path forward anchored in international law and the principles of the United Nations.
The specter of Europe’s largest conflict since World War II – Russia’s full-scale invasion of 2022 – looms large over these discussions. This declaration firmly establishes Ukraine’s sovereignty and its right to self-defense as non-negotiable cornerstones of any future peace settlement.
Central to the plan is the deployment of a multinational force to Ukraine following a ceasefire. This European-led initiative, with anticipated support from the United States, aims to deter further Russian aggression and provide crucial assistance in rebuilding Ukraine’s shattered defenses.
Beyond the immediate deployment, the agreement commits the coalition to robust security guarantees. Should Russia violate a ceasefire, these guarantees pledge sustained military, diplomatic, and economic support to Ukraine.
The United States is envisioned to play a pivotal role in monitoring and verifying the ceasefire. A continuous, U.S.-led mechanism, bolstered by contributions from allied partners, will be established to ensure adherence to the agreement.
A special commission, with significant U.S. participation, will be tasked with investigating ceasefire breaches, assigning accountability, and formulating effective solutions. This proactive approach seeks to prevent escalation and maintain stability.
The commitment extends beyond crisis response. Coalition members have pledged ongoing, long-term military assistance to Ukraine, encompassing vital defense cooperation, training programs, collaborative defense production, and intelligence sharing.
To facilitate seamless coordination, a permanent U.S.-Ukraine-Coalition cell will be established at the Coalition’s headquarters in Paris. This dedicated hub will ensure a unified and responsive approach to the evolving situation.
The declaration was unveiled during a joint news conference featuring French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The talks included participation from Jared Kushner and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, signaling broad international engagement.
