In Paris, leaders of the coalition of volunteers, including Emmanuel Macron, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Keir Starmer, signed a declaration of intent to deploy a multinational force in Ukraine after a ceasefire with Russia. The meeting aims to solidify legally binding security guarantees, with U.S. leadership on ceasefire monitoring. Thousands of French soldiers could participate in this peacekeeping mission.
On January 6, 2026, a crucial meeting of the 'coalition of volunteers' took place at the Élysée Palace in Paris, bringing together 35 countries allied with Ukraine, including U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Emmanuel Macron, Volodymyr Zelensky, Keir Starmer, and Friedrich Merz participated, marking a year of efforts to align European and American positions on post-ceasefire security guarantees.
The coalition validated protocols for a multinational force, with U.S. leadership on ceasefire monitoring and European contributions. Macron announced that 'thousands of soldiers could be deployed to maintain peace in Ukraine,' within the framework of French external operations, and pledged participation in regenerating the Ukrainian army.
Zelensky hailed 'substantial documents' on guarantees, 'not just words,' emphasizing concrete commitment to real security. Starmer mentioned French and British 'military hubs' in Ukraine to secure the territory. Merz stressed the need for 'compromises' for peace, noting that German troops could be deployed in a neighboring NATO country, without entering Ukraine for now.
Giorgia Meloni reiterated Italy's refusal to send ground troops, while the United States commits to supporting the force in case of a Russian attack. The European Union recently approved 90 billion euros in aid over two years. These advances, though pending a ceasefire, demonstrate diplomatic convergence amid four years of war.
