Macron Announces Historic Western Security Pact to Shield Ukraine in Russia Conflict

Leaders from over two dozen countries pledge long-term military support and deterrence measures for Ukraine as peace talks with Russia loom uncertain.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday declared a joint security statement endorsed by Ukraine’s Western partners as an important step toward ending Russia’s nearly four‑year invasion of Ukraine, following a high‑level international meeting in the French capital.

In order to negotiate a framework of defense and deterrence guarantees intended to strengthen Ukraine's security in the event of a future peace deal with Russia, leaders and representatives from more than two dozen countries, including the United States, the European Union, NATO members and Canada, gathered in Paris.

After the talks, Macron said in a statement that the security deal was intended to strengthen deterrence and reassure Kyiv that it would not be left defenseless when hostilities ended. According to the plan, Ukraine's armed forces would continue to be the first line of defense, supported by ongoing military support and assurance from the West on land, at sea and in the air.

The joint declaration also includes pledges to provide long-term military support for Ukraine's defense capabilities and describes procedures for monitoring any ceasefire, with the United States taking the lead in supervising verification procedures.

Important aspects are still unclear, though. Leaders agreed that legally necessary national pledges still need to be formal and that several of the plan's components require judicial approval from the participating countries. While some countries are ready to offer more help, Macron pointed out that others are still considering their degree of involvement.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, praised the development but highlighted that not everyone is prepared to send soldiers. Also he stated assistance might also come from sharing advanced weapons and technology.

While actual troop deployments would only take place after a formal ceasefire is reached, summit participants revealed more broad plans under talk, such as creating international military hubs all over Ukraine and constructing secure infrastructure for weapons storage. The path to a complete peace agreement is uncertain because Russia has not established a willingness to soften its negotiating position.