Western Leaders Gather in Paris to Discuss Ukraine Security Guarantees

Leaders from around thirty nations convened in Paris on October 5, 2025, for critical discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine amid ongoing tensions with Russia. The summit, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and leaders from major Western countries, aims to strengthen military support for Kyiv in the event of a peace agreement with Moscow.

The gathering, a coalition of nations including members from Europe, as well as Australia, Canada, and Japan, sought to create a unified front to address security concerns. Notably absent from the meeting was the United States, whose participation is deemed essential for any substantial military guarantees. The leaders have been in talks for months to outline the military support necessary to deter future Russian aggression should a final truce be established.

Despite these discussions, progress has stalled as European governments emphasize the necessity of having U.S. security assurances as a “backstop.” Donald Trump, the U.S. President, has not made any specific commitments in this regard. His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with senior diplomats from France, the UK, Germany, Italy, and Ukraine prior to the summit and briefly attended the opening session.

In a joint appearance with Zelenskiy, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that coalition leaders would endorse plans for security guarantees formulated by their military experts. Although details of these “technical” plans remain undisclosed, Macron confirmed European readiness to provide security guarantees for Ukraine once a peace agreement is signed.

Diplomatic efforts are also intended to send a political signal to Trump, highlighting the stagnation of direct peace talks between Vladimir Putin and Zelenskiy since their last interaction hosted by Trump in August. Macron indicated the coalition’s goal is to urge Trump to increase pressure on Moscow for negotiations.

The summit comes as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed optimism that this meeting would lead to intensified discussions with Washington regarding potential security guarantees. Rutte emphasized that Russia’s viewpoint should not influence NATO’s decisions, reaffirming Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Putin has stated that he is open to negotiating an end to the conflict, provided “common sense prevails.” However, he also indicated a willingness to resort to force if necessary. Western officials assert that a key component of any guarantees would be robust support for Ukraine’s armed forces. Additionally, plans may include deploying an international force to assist and reassure Kyiv, despite strong opposition from Russia against foreign military presence in Ukraine.

Diplomatic sources reveal significant differences among allies regarding military commitments. A German government official noted the political challenges of refusing assistance, particularly given existing troop commitments in Lithuania.

European leaders are clear that any new military force would require U.S. backing, a commitment that has yet to be clearly defined by Washington. Following the summit, several leaders intend to reach out to Trump to reinforce the urgency of the situation.

As the international community navigates this complex landscape, the need for concrete security arrangements for Ukraine remains a pressing issue. The outcome of these discussions in Paris could have lasting implications for the region’s stability and the future of Ukraine’s defense capabilities.