Ukraine, the United States, and members of the “Coalition of the Willing” have agreed on a framework of security guarantees aimed at ensuring Ukraine’s defense and a lasting peace, following a summit in Paris on 6 January.
The Paris Declaration marks the most comprehensive security agreement for Ukraine to date, combining multilateral military support with legally binding commitments. Its effectiveness, however, depends on a ceasefire being established - a step Moscow has so far refused to take.
Binding commitments signed
The declaration, signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, lays out plans for politically and legally binding commitments to support Ukraine if Russia launches a future attack.
It also foresees the deployment of multinational forces after hostilities end to help rebuild Ukraine’s armed forces and provide reassurance on land, at sea, and in the air.
These measures were coordinated through the “Coalition of the Willing” - an informal group of countries founded by France and the UK to support Ukraine with military, diplomatic, and logistical aid. It coordinates contributions from nations willing to provide security guarantees, weapons, and other resources to strengthen Ukraine’s defense and deterrence capabilities.
Zelenskyy: deployment plans already detailed
Zelenskyy said Ukraine already has detailed plans for these deployments, including the types of weapons, number of troops, and specific components of the armed forces that each country could contribute. He added that the US will play a leading role in monitoring any ceasefire.
Key elements of the declaration
According to the statement from Zelenskyy’s office, the key elements of the Paris Declaration include:
- Ceasefire monitoring: The US will lead a continuous verification system, with Coalition members participating in a Special Commission to address violations, assign responsibility, and determine remedies.
- Support for Ukraine’s armed forces: The Coalition pledged continued long-term military assistance, financing for weapons purchases, technical support for defensive fortifications, and access to defense depots for rapid reinforcement.
- Multinational force: Contributions from willing Coalition members will support the rebuilding of Ukraine’s armed forces and carry out reassurance measures across land, sea, and air.
- Binding commitments in case of attack: Allies will finalize protocols for military, intelligence, logistical, and diplomatic support, including the adoption of additional sanctions if Russia strikes again.
- Long-term defense cooperation: Joint training, defense industrial projects, and intelligence sharing will continue and expand.
Trending Now
A coordination cell will be established at the Coalition Operational Headquarters in Paris to manage these measures.
Ceasefire remains the missing piece
The Paris summit lays out a detailed plan for Ukraine’s defense, but it remains unclear how effective the measures will be without Russia agreeing to a ceasefire - a step the Kremlin has so far shown no interest in.
