European leaders welcomed US-backed security guarantees for Ukraine after President Donald Trump’s peace envoys signed onto a five-point framework in Paris this week aimed at deterring future Russian aggression if a peace deal is reached.
The plan was agreed to by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner, alongside senior European officials and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
The joint statement, backed by major NATO allies, outlines proposed “security guarantees” that would accompany any agreement to end Russia’s nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine.
While the framework leaves several details unresolved, European leaders said it represents meaningful progress, particularly the inclusion of a “US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism.” Under the proposal, the United States would oversee efforts to “address any breaches, attribute responsibility, and determine remedies” in the event of violations.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the statement reflects new alignment between Washington and Europe. “For the first time, there is an operational convergence between the coalition of the willing, Ukraine, and the United States to build robust security guarantees,” Macron told reporters after the meeting, describing the US role as a long-sought backstop.
The five-point plan also commits allies to “critical long-term military assistance” for Kyiv, the creation of a European-led multinational peacekeeping or “reassurance” force, and additional military aid and sanctions in the event of any future Russian attack. It further calls for “mutually beneficial defence cooperation with Ukraine.”
Germany and the United Kingdom signaled openness to contributing troops to a future reassurance force, pending a ceasefire agreement. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Europe needs “strong, legally binding security guarantees” supported by the United States.
Witkoff said the talks had largely concluded work on the security framework. “We largely finished the security protocols,” he said, adding that President Donald Trump “strongly stands behind” the guarantees.
Kushner described the agreement as a “very big milestone,” saying most major issues had been addressed, though some tensions remain.
The plan was agreed to by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner, alongside senior European officials and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
The joint statement, backed by major NATO allies, outlines proposed “security guarantees” that would accompany any agreement to end Russia’s nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine.
While the framework leaves several details unresolved, European leaders said it represents meaningful progress, particularly the inclusion of a “US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism.” Under the proposal, the United States would oversee efforts to “address any breaches, attribute responsibility, and determine remedies” in the event of violations.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the statement reflects new alignment between Washington and Europe. “For the first time, there is an operational convergence between the coalition of the willing, Ukraine, and the United States to build robust security guarantees,” Macron told reporters after the meeting, describing the US role as a long-sought backstop.
The five-point plan also commits allies to “critical long-term military assistance” for Kyiv, the creation of a European-led multinational peacekeeping or “reassurance” force, and additional military aid and sanctions in the event of any future Russian attack. It further calls for “mutually beneficial defence cooperation with Ukraine.”
Germany and the United Kingdom signaled openness to contributing troops to a future reassurance force, pending a ceasefire agreement. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Europe needs “strong, legally binding security guarantees” supported by the United States.
Witkoff said the talks had largely concluded work on the security framework. “We largely finished the security protocols,” he said, adding that President Donald Trump “strongly stands behind” the guarantees.
Kushner described the agreement as a “very big milestone,” saying most major issues had been addressed, though some tensions remain.
