French President Emmanuel Macron is set to host a high-level summit in Paris today (Thursday).
This will bring together European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, to discuss security measures for Ukraine in anticipation of a potential ceasefire with Russia.
The summit aims to define the security guarantees that Europe can extend to Ukraine once a ceasefire is established.
Among the key topics is the possibility of deploying military forces through a “coalition of the willing” to ensure stability in the region.
The gathering will see 27 heads of state and government convene at the Élysée Palace, with official proceedings beginning at 0800 GMT.
Macron is expected to deliver a press conference later in the day to outline the outcomes of the discussions.
Turkey, a significant NATO member currently facing domestic protests, will be represented by Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz.
Speaking alongside Zelensky in Paris on Wednesday, Macron emphasized that the current phase is crucial to ending Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Particularly as the United States, under Donald Trump, seeks diplomatic engagement with Moscow.
Macron also announced a fresh €2 billion ($2.2 billion) French military aid package for Ukraine, pledging that Paris would swiftly supply weapons from its stockpiles.
He urged Russia to accept Ukraine’s offer of a 30-day ceasefire without any preconditions.
He also criticized Moscow for maintaining a “desire for war” and imposing additional conditions instead of responding to Kyiv’s proposal.
“Ukraine has made it clear to the United States that it agrees to a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire despite being the victim of aggression,” Macron said.
“We expect Russia to show the same commitment.”
The meeting follows reports from the White House indicating that both Russia and Ukraine had separately discussed the framework for a possible ceasefire in the Black Sea during negotiations with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia.
While Kyiv confirmed this, Moscow insisted on conditions, including sanctions relief for its agricultural sector.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged these demands.
He stated that they would be reviewed but warned that reaching a peace agreement would be complex and time-consuming.
Zelensky expressed hope for “strong decisions” from the summit, which is being attended by key European leaders.
These leaders include German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
He warned that now is not the time to ease pressure on Russia or compromise unity in pursuit of peace.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high as both Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of trying to undermine the preliminary ceasefire discussions.
Macron blamed Moscow for prolonging the war, stating, “Russia wants this conflict to continue, and we must apply pressure to bring it to an end.”
A significant element of any future settlement could involve the deployment of European forces to deter further Russian aggression.
However, Zelensky noted that discussions on their exact role remain premature.
His aide, Igor Zhovkva, stressed that Kyiv needs a strong European presence rather than just peacekeeping troops.
Macron clarified that any European deployment would be defensive rather than combat-oriented.
“This would be a deterrent against Russian aggression, not a force on the front lines,” he said.
Despite diplomatic efforts, tensions persist beyond Europe.
South Korea’s military reported that North Korea had sent 3,000 additional troops to Russia this year, reinforcing the 11,000 already deployed.
Alongside manpower, Pyongyang continues to supply Russia with missiles, artillery, and ammunition, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.