A high-level summit took place in Paris on Tuesday, where Ukraine’s international partners sought to translate broad security assurances into detailed, documented commitments that could offer Kyiv stability in the event of a ceasefire with Russia. Officials familiar with the discussions said the goal was to finalize as many elements as possible, providing Ukraine with clear backing as the conflict enters a pivotal diplomatic stage.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended alongside more than 27 global and regional leaders, joined by senior U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The meeting formed part of wider efforts to establish a unified European-American-Ukrainian position before any future talks involving Moscow.
From Ambiguous Promises to Documented Commitments
Diplomatic momentum has increased since November, when negotiations to end the nearly four-year war began accelerating. Despite the renewed dialogue, officials noted that Russia has shown limited willingness to accept current proposals, with disputes over territory remaining the most difficult barrier. Frontline fighting also continues without signs of slowing down.
In the lead-up to the summit, Ukrainian military officials — including the chief of Ukraine’s General Staff — arrived in Paris to help draft concrete defense contributions, converting previously undefined pledges into written guarantees that could receive political approval from attending governments.
A document circulated among delegations, reviewed by Reuters, confirmed that discussions centered on forming a multinational force for Ukraine, supported logistically and strategically by the U.S. and coordinated with European allies. The meeting also aimed to outline binding long-term security measures, including mutual-defense commitments should Ukraine face another attack after a ceasefire.
Applying Diplomatic Pressure if Talks Fail
The summit also covered contingency planning, including steps to increase political and economic pressure on Russia if Moscow declines to participate in meaningful negotiations. European officials stressed the importance of coordination between Ukraine, the U.S., and Europe, ensuring that security planning remains aligned with broader diplomatic objectives.
A French presidency official told reporters:
“We have agreed on the operational structure of the security guarantees. The framework and the importance of sustained global involvement will be clarified, along with expectations of long-term commitment from all participating countries.”
A senior European official added that reinforcing allied guarantees may also strengthen U.S. support, which had so far been described only in general terms during bilateral discussions.
Zelenskyy: Peace First, Defense Ready if Needed
In his national address on Sunday night, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine would remain flexible but prepared:
“Ukraine will plan for two possible paths: diplomacy, which we continue to pursue, or active defense if partner pressure on Russia proves insufficient. Ukraine wants peace.”
He added that meetings with allies are meant to reinforce Ukraine’s security and contribute toward ending the war, not prolonging it.
A Crossroads Moment for Europe and the U.S.
The Paris summit marks a litmus test for Western diplomacy, especially as European governments and Washington attempt to shift from rhetorical support to structured action. While Ukraine seeks peace, its leadership continues to push for firm, coordinated, and enforceable guarantees, hoping that international unity can bring clarity where uncertainty has dominated.