The Elysée said Tuesday that technical preparations on security guarantees for Ukraine are nearly complete, with only U.S. backing now needed before moving forward. The update came ahead of a key meeting of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” later this week.
According to French officials, the work launched in February has advanced to the point where allies are close to finalizing measures designed to strengthen Ukraine’s long-term defense and prevent future aggression after any ceasefire. Plans include reinforcing the Ukrainian armed forces and deploying an international reassurance force in designated no-contact zones.
“The message on Thursday will be clear: we are willing, we are able, and we are ready,” the Elysée said, emphasizing that U.S. confirmation is the final step needed.
President Donald Trump has insisted that Europeans bear the bulk of responsibility for the security effort, ruling out U.S. ground troops but signaling Washington could provide a backstop. French officials declined to outline the exact details of the guarantees but stressed that enough commitments are now in place to present a united front to Washington.
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened the meeting at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, after the deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Vladimir Putin to meet with his Ukrainian counterpart expired.
