French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 countries have pledged to send troops to Ukraine after fighting ends, with the US role in the effort to be determined in the coming weeks.

The pledge is part of a broader effort to provide security guarantees to Ukraine amid growing concerns about Russia’s intentions.

Macron said, “we have today 26 countries who have formally committed… to deploy as ‘reassurance force’ troops in Ukraine, or be present on the ground, in the sea, or in the air.”

These troops will not be deployed on the front line but will aim to prevent any new major aggression.

The summit in Paris, which included European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, aimed to show Europe’s ability to act independently after mixed signals from Washington since Trump entered office in January.

Macron emphasized that US support for the reassurance force would be finalized “in the coming days” and that Washington would collaborate with European countries in imposing new sanctions if Russia continues to refuse a deal to end the war.

Zelensky hailed the move as a “concrete step” towards ensuring Ukraine’s security.

Following a video call with US President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy said Trump was “very dissatisfied” that European countries were still buying Russian oil, specifically pointing to Hungary and Slovakia.

Trump emphasized that European countries must stop purchasing Russian oil and place economic pressure on China for funding Russia’s war efforts.

A White House official confirmed that Trump had “emphasised” these points, adding that Russia received 1.1 billion euros in fuel sales from the EU in one year.

The European Commission has proposed legislation to phase out EU imports of Russian oil and gas by January 1, 2028.

However, the US has been accused of double standards for sparing China, the largest buyer of Russian crude. Meanwhile, peace talks between Ukraine and Russia remain stalled, with Putin showing no interest in a peace accord.

Zelenskyy warned that if Ukraine cedes land to Russia, it would open up an unprotected space for Putin to further invade Ukraine and potentially attack Europe.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need to apply more pressure on Putin to secure a cessation of hostilities.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged more pressure but remained cautious about the scope of involvement. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office said Italy would not send troops to Ukraine but could help monitor any potential peace deal.

NATO chief Mark Rutte responded to Putin’s statement that European troops should not be involved in post-war Ukraine, saying, “I think we really have to stop making Putin too powerful”.

The recent summit in Paris, where 26 countries pledged support for Ukraine’s post-war security, marks a significant step towards ensuring the country’s stability.

French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that the US role in the effort will be determined in the coming weeks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the move as a “concrete step” towards ensuring Ukraine’s security.

The pledge includes ramped-up training for the Ukrainian army and deployment of troops by some European states.t summit in Paris, where 26 countries pledged support for Ukraine’s post-war security, marks a significant step towards ensuring the country’s stability.

French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that the US role in the effort will be determined in the coming weeks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the move as a “concrete step” towards ensuring Ukraine’s security.

The pledge includes ramped-up training for the Ukrainian army and deployment of troops by some European states.

NATO membership would provide the strongest long-term deterrence against renewed Russian aggression.

However, the difficulty Sweden is facing in securing Turkish and Hungarian approval of NATO accession indicates the challenges Ukraine might encounter.

A Membership Action Plan (MAP) or its equivalent, supported by security guarantees, would help ensure Ukraine’s security. Some experts suggest creating a new type of NATO-Ukraine partnership designed to ensure long-term security assistance and eventual membership.

US Involvement and Economic Pressure
US President Donald Trump discussed security guarantees for Ukraine with European leaders, emphasizing the need for European countries to stop purchasing Russian oil.

The US and Europe will impose additional sanctions on Russia if it continues to refuse to participate in the peace process. The European Commission has proposed legislation to phase out EU imports of Russian oil and gas by January 1, 2028.
Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction will require significant economic support and projects.

Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction will require significant economic support and projects.

The country will need to come out of the war on a new trajectory, with a focus on rebuilding physical infrastructure, addressing war traumas, and promoting economic recovery.

The plan looks beyond immediate damages and envisions more than $750 billion in economic support and projects.

To ensure Ukraine’s long-term security, the US could establish binding defense commitments with Ukraine, similar to those with Israel or South Korea. Strengthening military bases in Poland, Romania, and the Baltic states would deter further Russian expansion.

Additionally, providing Ukraine with advanced weaponry, including missile defense systems, fighter jets, and artillery, would enhance its defense capabilities.