Overview
- At a Paris summit, Macron, Starmer and Zelensky signed a declaration of intent for a European‑led multinational force to deploy in Ukraine after a ceasefire, including plans for military hubs and protected facilities.
- Coalition leaders outlined a proposed U.S.-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism likely using drones, sensors and satellites, though final text toned down explicit U.S. backing for supporting a deployed force.
- Macron said France could send several thousand troops post‑war and leaders cast the mission as a reassurance and rebuilding role rather than combat, with force size and rules of engagement still to be set.
- The package remains conditional on a ceasefire and requires binding commitments, operational details and parliamentary approvals, and a new U.S.-Ukraine‑Coalition coordination cell will be based in Paris.
- Russia has long opposed any Western troops in Ukraine, Germany signaled it could contribute from neighboring territory, and some allies ruled out deployments, leaving acceptance and participation uncertain.