Paris talks focus on ceasefire planning and deterrence
French President :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} is hosting Ukrainian leader :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} and representatives from more than 30 allied nations in Paris as efforts intensify to define security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia.
The meeting brings together the so called Coalition of the Willing, including senior officials and heads of state from Europe and beyond. Among the participants are US peace mediators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son in law of US President :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Ceasefire plan largely agreed but key issues remain
Zelensky recently met Trump and said a proposed plan to end the war with Russia was around 90 percent agreed. However, the remaining issues are significant and the proposals have not yet been formally presented to Moscow.
The unresolved portion of the plan centers on territorial concessions. Russia currently controls roughly 75 percent of Ukraine’s Donetsk region and almost all of neighboring Luhansk. Together, these regions form the industrial heartland known as Donbas.
Russia launched its full scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and has made gradual territorial gains since then. Moscow has shown little willingness to compromise on its objective of full control over Donbas and continues to reject the idea of a temporary ceasefire.
Ongoing fighting and rising pressure
As diplomatic efforts continue, fighting on the ground has intensified. Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, particularly targeting energy systems during the winter months. Ukraine has responded with drone strikes, including a recent attack on an oil depot in Russia’s Lipetsk region.
Security guarantees and the role of allies
Leaders attending the Paris talks, including UK Prime Minister :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} and NATO Secretary General :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}, are expected to discuss a range of measures. These include the possible deployment of a multinational reassurance force, long term security guarantees for Ukraine and continued support for Ukraine’s military and economy.
A central issue is the so called backstop. European allies are seeking a clear US commitment to respond if Russia violates any future peace agreement. After talks in Florida last month, Zelensky said Washington had offered security guarantees lasting up to 15 years, though details remain unclear.
Broader geopolitical tensions loom over talks
The Paris meeting is taking place against the backdrop of heightened global tensions following recent US military action in Venezuela and Trump’s comments about US leadership in the Western Hemisphere. His renewed insistence that the US wants to annex Greenland has also unsettled European allies.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any attempt to take Greenland would undermine the transatlantic alliance. While European leaders have largely avoided direct criticism of Washington, many, including Macron and Starmer, have publicly backed Denmark.
As host, Macron is expected to keep the focus firmly on Ukraine, aiming to prevent wider geopolitical disputes from overshadowing efforts to secure a durable peace framework for Kyiv.
