Russia Rejects Western Security Guarantees for Ukraine as 26 Nations Pledge “Reassurance Force”
The Paris summit occurred amid rising concerns that Putin has little interest in peace.
ISLAMABAD/PARIS — Russia has firmly rejected the idea of Western-led security guarantees for Ukraine, just as over two dozen countries pledged to form a “reassurance force” that would deploy in Ukraine after any future peace deal or ceasefire with Moscow.
The announcement came during a high-stakes summit in Paris hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, where leaders emphasized a renewed European initiative to secure Ukraine’s future and deter future Russian aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended the summit in person, while key figures like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined virtually.
Kremlin Dismisses Western Guarantees
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the Western proposal outright on Friday, stating that “foreign, especially European and American” military presence cannot be considered a valid security guarantee for Ukraine.
“This cannot be a guarantee of security for Ukraine that would suit our country,” Peskov told Russian media, effectively rejecting the foundation of the West’s post-war planning for Ukraine.
26 Nations Join Reassurance Plan
President Macron announced that 26 countries have formally committed to participating in the “reassurance force,” which may include troops on the ground, in the air, and at sea. However, he stressed the deployment would not be near the front lines but would serve to prevent any future major aggression from Russia.
“This is the first such serious concrete step in a long time,” Zelensky said, hailing the move as a turning point in Ukraine’s path to long-term security.
Macron added that rebuilding and modernizing the Ukrainian military will be another key focus, ensuring Ukraine can both defend itself and act as a deterrent in the region.
US Role Remains Unclear
Although US President Donald Trump participated in a video call with European leaders during the summit, Washington’s role in the proposed security architecture remains ambiguous.
Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff attended the summit and also met separately with Zelensky. Trump later confirmed he intends to speak directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin “soon,” with the Kremlin confirming such a conversation could be arranged quickly.
Macron said the US is “very clear” about its willingness to support security guarantees, but no concrete commitment has been detailed.
Divisions Within the Coalition
Despite the show of unity, not all participating nations are aligned on military involvement. Germany, under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, took a cautious approach, stating it would decide on troop deployment “once framework conditions are clarified.”
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni ruled out sending troops, though she offered support for monitoring any eventual peace agreement.
Growing Concerns Over Russia’s Intentions
The Paris summit occurred amid rising concerns that Putin has little interest in peace. His recent visit to China, where he participated in a military parade alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping, has only deepened Western doubts.
In a speech in Beijing, Putin declared Russian forces are “advancing on all fronts” and warned that the conflict would continue if no peace deal is reached.
European and US leaders have accused Russia of stalling and targeting civilians, with Macron warning that new coordinated sanctions could follow if Russia refuses to engage in meaningful peace negotiations.
Tragic Civilian Loss
Meanwhile, two workers from the Danish Refugee Council were killed in northern Ukraine on Thursday in a Russian rocket strike while they were clearing landmines in a previously occupied area, according to local officials.
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Conclusion
The Paris summit marks a significant moment in the West’s strategic response to the Ukraine crisis, showcasing Europe’s growing desire to take a more assertive role in regional security. However, with Russia’s staunch opposition, the lack of clarity on US involvement, and divisions among European nations, the road to securing peace — and a post-war Ukraine — remains fraught with uncertainty.
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