French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that Europe is prepared to provide security guarantees to Ukraine once a peace agreement is reached to end the war with Russia, which began in February 2022.
Speaking ahead of a summit of European leaders forming a “coalition of the willing” in support of Kyiv, Macron declared that the preparatory phase for the framework is complete and that the next step will be political adoption. “Europe is ready for a strong and lasting peace for Ukraine,” Macron said, stressing that the initiative reflects Europe’s determination to support Kyiv’s sovereignty in the long term.
The French president, however, questioned whether Moscow is committed to genuine negotiations. “The question now is whether Russia is truly sincere,” Macron noted, underlining the persistent doubts among European leaders about the Kremlin’s intentions.
The announcement comes as Ukraine continues to push for broader international backing in its fight against Russia’s invasion, which has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was welcomed in Paris by Macron on Wednesday, said there are no signs Russia is seeking to end hostilities. “Unfortunately, Moscow shows no willingness to pursue peace,” Zelenskyy told reporters, reiterating that Ukraine’s priority is securing firm guarantees that any eventual settlement will be respected.
The European coalition, which includes several NATO members, is expected to coordinate military, financial, and political support for Ukraine, both during the conflict and in the event of a peace agreement. Officials in Paris indicated that the guarantees under discussion could involve long-term military aid, assistance in rebuilding Ukraine’s defense sector, and coordinated responses in the event of renewed aggression.
While details of the guarantees have yet to be finalized, the move reflects Europe’s effort to show unity as the war drags on into its third year. Analysts note that the push for binding guarantees mirrors Ukraine’s longstanding request for NATO membership, which remains a contentious issue among allies.
For Macron, the initiative marks another step in his efforts to position France as a leading European voice in shaping post-war security arrangements. It also comes as Kyiv urges Western allies to speed up deliveries of weapons and financial aid to counter continued Russian offensives in eastern Ukraine.
The Paris talks are part of a wider series of diplomatic efforts across Europe this autumn aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s position while maintaining pressure on Russia. “We are committed to ensuring that peace, when it comes, will be durable and credible,” Macron said.
With no signs of a breakthrough on the battlefield or at the negotiating table, the discussions highlight Europe’s attempt to balance military support for Ukraine with a longer-term strategy to deter further Russian aggression.
