France, United Kingdom, and Ukraine Sign a Declaration of Intent on the Deployment of Multinational Forces in Ukraine

Makers of peace in Paris—representing France, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and Germany—gathered Tuesday to finalize their commitments aimed at securing Ukraine’s future through robust security guarantees. This landmark meeting sought to reassure Kyiv should a ceasefire with Russia be reached, according to diplomats and officials present.

In a joint press conference, French President Emmanuel Macron, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, announced the signing of a declaration of intent. This accords the framework for the deployment of multinational forces designed to serve as a security assurance for Ukraine once a ceasefire agreement is established.

President Macron emphasized that this multinational force, under consideration for several months, intends to “provide a form of reassurance in the days following a ceasefire.” President Zelensky warmly welcomed the comprehensive documents outlining Western security guarantees, highlighting their tangible commitments beyond mere rhetoric.

“The crucial point today is that the alliance holds foundational documents, surpassing verbal promises,” Zelensky noted, commending the “concrete content” that reflects a shared resolve toward “real security.” He outlined that countries willing to lead the implementation of these safeguards on land, at sea, and in the air have been identified, along with plans for Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Moreover, Zelensky stressed the goal of supporting and financing an adequately sized Ukrainian military by its allies. He also referenced “significant progress” in bilateral security guarantee discussions with American negotiators Steve Whitkov and Jared Kushner, which will complement multilateral guarantees and include mechanisms to monitor potential ceasefire violations should an agreement with Moscow materialize.

The Ukrainian leader joined over 27 global heads of state in Paris, along with U.S. negotiators, as part of broader efforts to harmonize a united Ukrainian-European-American stance to be presented to Russia.

Since November, talks to end the conflict that ignited nearly four years ago have accelerated. However, indications of Russia’s readiness to accept proposed terms remain limited, with territorial disputes persisting as a major obstacle and no clear signs of ceasing hostilities on either side.

Ahead of Tuesday’s meeting, military officials including Ukraine’s Chief of General Staff arrived in Paris to formalize obligations that provide leaders with decisive political backing, aiming to clarify the previously vague military commitments.

A memorandum shared with 35 invited delegations, to which our journalists had access, confirmed that the meeting’s core focus was securing contributions to a multinational force dedicated to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, coordinated with Kyiv and supported by the United States.

Discussions also targeted wider security guarantees for Ukraine, including binding commitments in case of renewed aggression. Efforts are underway to ensure that the positions of the willing alliance align closely with Ukrainian, American, and European negotiating stances.

Additionally, the memorandum proposes agreeing on subsequent steps to bolster support for Ukraine and intensify pressure on Russia should Moscow refuse serious negotiations.

An official from the French presidency indicated before the summit, “We have reached consensus on the practical details of security guarantees. We will explain their organization and the necessity for long-term commitments by all parties involved.”

A senior European official expressed hope that these consolidated alliance guarantees would strengthen U.S. commitments, previously outlined largely in bilateral discussions with Ukraine.

In his evening address to the nation, President Zelensky underscored that European meetings must reinforce Ukraine’s defense and unify efforts to end the war. He concluded: “Ukraine is preparing for both possibilities: diplomacy, which we pursue, or active defense if partner pressure on Russia proves insufficient. Ukraine wants peace.”

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Les Points Importants

• Engagement trilatéral stratégique : La signature d’une déclaration d’intention entre la France, le Royaume-Uni et l’Ukraine symbolise un effort concerté pour assurer la stabilité et la sécurité de l’Ukraine, tout en renforçant la solidarité européenne et transatlantique face à la crise russo-ukrainienne.

• Force multinationale envisagée comme assurance post-cessez-le-feu : La création d’une force multinationale, déjà à l’étude depuis plusieurs mois, est pensée pour jouer un rôle de garant et rassurer toutes les parties concernées quant à la pérennité de la paix.

• Rôle central de la diplomatie française : Paris occupe une place clé dans la médiation et la coordination des acteurs internationaux, illustrant la capacité de la France à fédérer des partenaires majeurs autour d’objectifs communs en matière de sécurité internationale.

• Coordination transatlantique renforcée : L’implication active des États-Unis dans ces négociations, via les envoyés spéciaux, montre un engagement partagé entre l’Europe et l’Amérique pour un règlement pacifique durable et la pérennisation d’un ordre international fondé sur le droit.

• Défis persistants et réalités géopolitiques : Malgré les avancées, la question des territoires ukrainiens occupés reste épineuse, et la méfiance réciproque entre Moscou et Kyiv continue de freiner les progrès vers un cessez-le-feu effectif.

• Importance des garanties sécuritaires robustes : Au-delà d’un simple arrêt des hostilités, la volonté des alliés est de créer un cadre garantissant la sécurité durable de l’Ukraine, qui pourrait devenir un modèle pour la gestion des conflits dans un contexte international multipolaire.

Vers une réflexion ouverte

Cette démarche multilatérale initiée par la France et ses partenaires pose la question fondamentale de la nature et des mécanismes de sécurité collective à l’ère contemporaine. Comment concilier souveraineté nationale et garanties internationales dans un monde marqué par des rivalités renouvelées et des enjeux territoriaux complexes ? Quelle place pour la diplomatie proactive face aux conflits armés prolongés ? Enfin, au-delà des déclarations d’intention, comment assurer la sincérité des engagements et éviter que ces alliances ne deviennent de simples instruments de dissuasion sans réelle capacité d’intervention ?

Ces interrogations invitent à une réflexion globale qui dépasse le conflit ukrainien, avec un regard porté vers les défis futurs de la paix durable et de la coopération internationale. France, en tant qu’acteur majeur et médiateur respecté, continuera d’y jouer un rôle incontournable, à la croisée des dynamiques européennes et mondiales.