Paris Summit: 35 nations to debate multinational force deployment for Ukraine
Thirty-five nations supporting Kyiv will gather in Paris on January 6 to accelerate a resolution to the war in Ukraine.
The summit aims to demonstrate a unified front between Washington, Europe, and Kyiv regarding security guarantees as the conflict approaches its fifth year.
The "Coalition of the Willing" summit marks a pivotal moment in diplomatic efforts. For the first time, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will join a physical meeting of this group, which was launched last spring by France and the United Kingdom.
Strategic alignment on peace and defense
Leaders including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will attend. They intend to finalize a shared vision for a future armistice and the potential deployment of a multinational force to safeguard any political agreement.
The Élysée Palace confirmed that while broad strategies will be announced, specific troop numbers remain confidential for operational security. A presidential advisor noted that the goal is to prove that Western allies are ready to provide concrete guarantees once a ceasefire is reached.
Diplomacy versus continued defense
The Paris meeting follows intensive preparatory talks held in Kyiv between security advisors from 15 countries. These discussions focused on the latest U.S.-led ceasefire proposal, which has been negotiated closely with Ukrainian officials.
President Zelensky stated that Ukraine remains open to two paths: a diplomatic solution or continued active defense. He emphasized that the latter would be necessary if international pressure on Russia remains insufficient to secure a just peace.
Tensions rise over Kremlin allegations
The summit occurs amid heightened tensions as Moscow hardens its negotiating stance. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently accused Kyiv of attempting a drone strike on a presidential residence, an allegation Ukraine denies and which U.S. officials have expressed skepticism toward.
While the Kremlin claims it will achieve its objectives through either talks or force, the Paris Summit represents the most significant Western effort to date to dictate the terms of a potential conclusion to the hostilities.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
