26 European countries pledge security guarantees for Ukraine
More than two dozen countries have pledged to deploy assets and contingents to strengthen Ukraine’s security apparatus, President Emmanuel Macron disclosed on Thursday.
The French leader made the announcement during a press conference after chairing the Coalition of the Willing Summit at the Élysée Palace in Paris.
Macron said the coalition would provide post-war military support to Ukraine following any ceasefire deal with Russia, as part of measures to sustain peace and security.
“We have today 26 countries who have committed to deploy as a ‘reassurance force’ troops in Ukraine, or be present on the ground, in the sea, or in the air,” Macron told reporters.
The president further indicated plans by European countries to, “in collaboration with the United States”, impose fresh sanctions on Russia, widely regarded as the aggressor in the 42-month war.
With Europe agreeing to firm up security guarantees, the support of the American government is expected to be finalised in the coming days.
Thursday’s meeting was followed by a video conference with President Donald Trump, who hosted President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, last month.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked European nations for declaring their readiness to send troops to Ukraine after the conflict.
“For the first time in a long time, this is the first such serious concrete step,” Zelensky told reporters at the summit venue.
26 European countries pledge security guarantees for Ukraine
