The United States has signalled it would support a multinational force and binding security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of any future Russian attack. This comes as European leaders and top U.S. envoys met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris for high-stakes talks on a potential ceasefire framework.
The January 6, 2026, meeting of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” brought together representatives of 35 countries, including 27 heads of state and government, against the backdrop of a grinding war that has entered its fourth year with no sign of easing on the battlefield.
A draft summit statement says Ukraine’s allies agree that any post-war settlement must be backed by “binding commitments to support Kyiv in the case of a future armed attack by Russia to restore peace.”
Those commitments could include “the use of military capabilities, intelligence and logistical support, diplomatic initiatives, [and] adoption of additional sanctions.”
The language marks one of the most apparent indications yet that Washington is prepared to play a central role in enforcing future security guarantees, even as European capitals grapple with growing uncertainty over U.S. foreign policy priorities.
Paris talks amid geopolitical strain
The Paris summit comes as European leaders try to align positions with Washington while keeping Ukraine firmly on the Western agenda.
The talks were overshadowed by the recent U.S. military operation to seize Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro — an ally of Russian leader Vladimir Putin — an action that has unsettled several European governments and injected new tension into transatlantic relations.
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Despite this, the French presidency said the meeting aimed to demonstrate “alignment” between Washington, Kyiv and European allies on Ukraine’s security.
Zelenskyy, who French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed at the Élysée Palace for a one-on-one meeting ahead of the summit, said the talks were critical to ensuring lasting protection for his country.
“These talks are meant to deliver more protection and strength for Ukraine. We are counting on our partners’ support and on steps that can guarantee real security for our people,” he wrote on X upon arriving in France.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner traveled to Paris for the meeting, even though Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not attend following the U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
Focus shifts to binding guarantees
Diplomats say the discussions reflect a shift away from general pledges of military aid toward legally binding security guarantees. Talks have centered mainly on continued weapons supplies and the possible deployment of an international reassurance force. Still, now the emphasis is on what allies would do if Russia attacked again.
The draft statement also outlines a U.S.-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism, with international participation.
“There will be a continuous, reliable ceasefire monitoring system. This will be led by the U.S. with international participation, including contributions from members of the Coalition of the Willing,” the text says.
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Despite the diplomatic push, there is still no ceasefire agreement. Russia occupies about 20% of Ukrainian territory and is pressing for full control of the eastern Donbas region as part of any settlement. Kyiv has rejected territorial concessions, warning that ceding land would only embolden Moscow.
Russia has repeatedly opposed any deployment of NATO troops on Ukrainian soil, insisting there can be no ceasefire until a comprehensive political settlement is reached. The Kremlin has also given no public indication that it would accept Western-backed security guarantees for Ukraine.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged the obstacles, writing to lawmakers that diplomacy was unfolding “under difficult conditions.”
He cited Russia’s “little willingness to negotiate,” strains on Ukrainian unity, and profound changes in transatlantic cooperation. “We want a ceasefire that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty. We therefore want such a ceasefire … to be backed by security guarantees from the U.S. and Europe,” he said.
Ukraine’s multinational force under discussion
The possibility of deploying a multinational force remains central to the talks, though details are unresolved. French officials say such a force would aim to “reassure Ukraine” rather than engage in frontline combat.
European diplomats estimate the troop numbers under discussion range from 15,000 to 30,000, with France and the United Kingdom expected to provide the bulk of the land and air components, and Turkey potentially overseeing Black Sea security.
Most proposals envisage any deployment being based in western Ukraine, focused on training and deterrence. Questions remain over the rules of engagement and how allies would respond to a renewed Russian assault.
Zelenskyy has stressed that European troop deployments face political hurdles at home and warned that “not everyone is ready” to commit forces. However, he said support could also come “through weapons, technologies and intelligence,” adding that involvement by Britain and France would be “essential.”
Participants are seeking progress on five priorities, including monitoring a ceasefire, strengthening Ukraine’s armed forces, deploying a multinational force, defining responses to future Russian aggression, and establishing long-term defense cooperation with Kyiv.
Yet expectations remain cautious with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk saying the goal was to “tighten and align the European and American positions,” while warning against expecting final decisions in Paris.
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