Twenty-six Western nations have agreed to send forces to Ukraine once a ceasefire is reached, French President Emmanuel Macron announced after a Paris summit. The security guarantees would take effect the moment fighting stops, BBC reported.
Peace prospects remain fragile. A recent Trump-Putin meeting failed to break the deadlock, and a direct encounter between Putin and Zelenskiy appears unlikely. Trump has hinted US support could come through air power, while Zelenskiy has called for maximum protection of Ukraine’s skies.
Macron voiced confidence in US backing, though Washington has ruled out sending ground troops. European leaders stressed that securing a ceasefire must come first, with stronger guarantees to follow.
Russia continues to reject Western involvement and is reinforcing its positions in Ukraine. Putin has warned the war will go on unless a full peace deal is struck, while Kyiv and its allies argue a truce should precede broader talks, according to BBC.
NATO chief Mark Rutte said Russia has no veto over Western deployments, insisting Ukraine alone decides. Despite renewed attacks, allies believe a ceasefire could open the door to lasting security arrangements.
