In a significant move to secure a lasting peace in Eastern Europe, top leaders from the United States and key European nations are gathering in Paris to hammer out a final agreement on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. The core of the discussions revolves around a potential game-changing element: the possibility of American boots on the ground in postwar Ukraine to act as a powerful deterrent against future Russian aggression.
Paris Summit: Finalising the "Coalition of the Willing" Plan
The crucial meeting, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, follows a series of intense discussions between national security advisers over the past month. The goal is to integrate recent proposals from Washington with existing plans crafted by a coalition of Ukraine's staunchest allies. Representing the United States will be President Donald Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The high-stakes gathering will see participation from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, other European leaders, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and the alliance's top military official, Alexus Grynkewich, who also commands US forces in Europe. European officials have described the latest talks with their American counterparts as positive and constructive, with one calling the US offer of intelligence and troops a "game-changer."
The Multi-Layered Security Architecture
While the exact role and location of any potential US troops remain undefined, the proposed security framework follows a tiered approach. According to sources, the first line of defense would be a beefed-up Ukrainian armed forces managing the frontline. Behind them, a multinational "reassurance force" from the willing coalition would be stationed further from the combat zones.
The United States is positioned to provide the ultimate "backstop", a role European nations have sought for over a year. This could include troop presence, along with critical support like ceasefire monitoring using drones and satellites, and intelligence sharing to identify any violations. Current proposals outline an initial 15-year term for these guarantees, with an option for extension. Notably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has reportedly asked Trump for assurances covering a period as long as half a century.
Sticking Points and the Road Ahead
Despite progress, major hurdles persist. A central issue is territory, with Moscow demanding a full Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donbas region—a condition President Zelenskiy has firmly rejected. Furthermore, it is unclear if Russian President Vladimir Putin would agree to any deal involving a permanent Western military presence near Russia's borders.
Zelenskiy stated over the weekend that the Paris meeting would iron out the "final details." He emphasised that Kyiv and its European partners insist on a strong deterrent to prevent a future Russian attack once a peace deal is signed. Looking forward, Ukraine hopes to arrange a leaders-level meeting in the United States by the end of January to solidify the agreement. The allies plan to push for Russian participation only after security guarantees with the US are firmly in place.
