Ukraine's allies from across Europe gathered in Paris on Thursday for discussions on strengthening Kyiv's security and its military. The 'coalition of the willing' summit in Paris comes as US-led negotiations are going on to end the three-year-long Russia-Ukraine war.
Leaders from nearly 30 countries, as well as NATO and European officials, are attending the summit.
Ukraine and Russia agreeing to a Black Sea ceasefire after the US delegates' discussions with the representatives of both countries in Saudi Arabia is seen as the first step towards peace.
I want to highlight France’s efforts in helping us defend against Russian strikes. In particular, your "Mirages"—combat aircraft made in France—have performed very well. I am particularly grateful for them—they have already become a part of our air shield and are helping us… pic.twitter.com/ccHbSvWTKM
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 26, 2025
Amid the US-led negotiations, French President Emmanuel Macron said that Russia shall have no right of say regarding the support we are providing and will provide Ukraine, nor shall they set the conditions."
He accused Russia of coming up with an increasingly long list of demands.
"Russia cannot have a say in the support we give to Ukraine, nor can it dictate conditions of a lasting peace. Because Ukraine's sovereignty and the security of all Europeans is at stake."
— Lena Berger (@lena4berger) March 26, 2025
–Emmanuel Macron, President of France 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/n7v6WdMNFC
As far as the security guarantee offered to Ukraine, Macron said that the European forces could be stationed in "important town, strategic bases" to "mark the clear support from several European governments and allies. He made it clear that the forces will have to "respond" to any attack from Russia.
Also read
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- Ukraine’s Zelenskyy urges allies to put ‘new pressure’ on Russia to end war ahead of ceasefire talks
- Will US secure a quick ceasefire deal as Russia, Ukraine set for indirect talks in Saudi Arabia?
Macron also rejected any suggestion of lifting sanctions, saying it was too early to make such a decision.
“Ultimately, sanctions depend solely on Russia’s choice of aggression, and therefore, their lifting depends solely on Russia’s choice to comply with international law,” he said.
Reportedly, ahead of the summit, Macron spoke to US President Donald Trump.
With the US strengthening its mediation efforts, France and Britain have been pushing a separate initiative to support and stand by Ukraine.
A new package of defence aid for Ukraine worth 2 billion euros was announced by Macron as well.
