Ukraine’s allies sign declaration on troop deployment after ceasefire

French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that a security statement endorsed by Ukraine's allies, including the US, is a “significant step” toward ending Russia's invasion of its neighbour as part of a peace settlement. Following a meeting of more than two dozen countries in Paris, Macron said officials agreed on ceasefire monitoring mechanisms under US leadership.A joint statement said the allies also agreed to continue long-term military assistance and armament to Ukraine's armed forces, which “will remain the first line of defence and deterrence” after any peace deal is signed. Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky signed a declaration of intent that foresees Britain, France and other European allies deploying troops on Ukrainian territory after a ceasefire. The allies also agreed to establish a US-Ukraine-Coalition coordination cell in Paris.

Foreign countries will provide reassurance measures on land, sea and in the air to be enacted once “a credible cessation of hostilities has taken place.” The allies still must finalise “binding commitments” setting out what they will do to support Ukraine and restore peace in case of a future attack by Russia.Prospects for progress at the meeting were uncertain as the Trump administration's focus is shifting to Venezuela, while US suggestions of a Greenland takeover are causing tension with Europe, and Moscow shows no signs of budging from its demands in its nearly 4-year-old invasion.

The countries dubbed the “coalition of the willing" have been exploring for months how to deter any future Russian aggression should it agree to stop fighting Ukraine.Macron's office said an unprecedented number of officials attended in person, with 35 participants including 27 heads of state and government. The US envoys, Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, met with Macron at the Elysee presidential palace for preparatory talks ahead of the gathering.

Moscow has revealed few details of its stance in the US-led peace negotiations. Officials have reaffirmed Russia's demands and have insisted there can be no ceasefire until a comprehensive settlement is agreed. The Kremlin has ruled out any deployment of troops from NATO countries on Ukrainian soil. A series of meetings on the summit's sidelines illustrated the intensity of the diplomatic effort and the complexity of its moving parts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Macron ahead of the summit. French, British and Ukrainian military chiefs also met, with NATO's top commander, US Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, participating in talks that France's army chief said focused on implementing security guarantees. Army chiefs from other coalition nations joined by video. Macron's office said the US delegation was initially set to be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but he changed his plans after the US military intervention in Venezuela.