Paris Talks Yield Significant Progress on Ukraine Security Pledges

UK, France to Establish Military Hubs in Ukraine Under Peace Deal with Russia

French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have signed a declaration of intent with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the deployment of multinational forces to support Kyiv’s defense, reconstruction, and strategic stability. The agreement was reached during a meeting of over two dozen countries in Paris.

The plan involves the establishment of military hubs in Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Russia. Macron stated that the security statement endorsed by Ukraine’s allies, including the US, is a “significant step” towards ending Russia’s invasion of its neighbor as part of a peace settlement.

US Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed significant progress on several critical issues facing Ukraine, including security guarantees and a “prosperity plan”. He stated that security protocols for Ukraine are largely finished and that the coalition agrees on durable security guarantees and robust prosperity commitments as essential to a lasting peace in Ukraine.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the link between Ukraine’s reconstruction and security guarantees. He noted that economic strength will be indispensable to guarantee Ukraine’s ability to block Russia in the future. However, he acknowledged that compromises will need to be made to achieve a peace deal.

The UK and France have committed to establishing military hubs in Ukraine under the terms of the agreement. Starmer stated that peace in Ukraine is closer than ever, but noted that the “hardest yards” still lie ahead.

Source: Al Jazeera