The details are still strictly confidential (so as not to give any advantage to the Russian forces) but the chiefs of staff of the so-called "willing" have already put in writing the contributions to the new "reassurance" force which 26 countries will take part in different ways also deploying troops to Ukraine in the presence of a ceasefire.
This is the most significant decision taken on Thursday 4 September in Paris at a summit convened by the French President Emmanuel MacronThe Ukrainian President was present, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Presidents of the European Council, Antonio Cista and of the European Commission, Ursula von der LeyenOthers connected remotely, such as the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia MeloniBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. After the meeting, the leaders met with US President Donald Trump to report on the decisions made.
Twenty-six countries, almost all European, have therefore "committed" to participate in a “reassuring force” as part of a Russian-Ukrainian ceasefire, deploying troops in Ukraine or being "present on land, at sea, or in the air," according to French President Macron's announcement. A force, Macron added, that "has no intention or objective of unleashing a war against Russia." American support, Macron added, will be finalized "in the coming days" and should serve as a backstop, representing the third "interposition link," after that of the Ukrainian army on the front and that of volunteers in the rear.
The intention, Zelensky explained, is clear: "To end this war as soon as possible and pave the way for diplomatic negotiations, while ensuring Ukraine's long-term security." But a direct meeting between Zelensky and Putin remains uncertain.
Italian Prime Minister Meloni reiterated her opposition to the direct deployment of troops to the ground, outlining "the proposal for a collective security defense mechanism inspired by Article 5 of the NATO Washington Treaty, as a qualifying element of the political component of security guarantees for Ukraine." However, Italy could support the operation with monitoring and training outside Ukraine's borders and possibly with demining work by our bomb disposal experts. Poland shares Meloni's position, favoring a purely "logistical" role, also because Poland has no intention of sending troops to Ukraine, "not even after the war is over," as Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated. Germany is waiting, with Merz having recently criticized von der Leyen for strongly supporting the deployment. "We will decide in due course," is Berlin's stance.
Ma Italy, Poland and GermanyMacron was keen to point out that "they are among the 26 contributors, each with its own modality of intervention." Some will "deploy troops on the ground" in Ukraine, while others will "remain in NATO member countries, making their bases available." What matters, he added, is that "it was a crucial meeting, because what is at stake is the future and security of the entire continent. The leaders approved the work of their chiefs of defense staff and defense ministers. We will be relentless in our efforts to keep Ukraine strong, Europe safe, and achieve peace."
In a statement, Palazzo Chigi recalled that in the subsequent meeting with Trump, "the shared goal of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine was reaffirmed. This can only be achieved through an approach that combines continued support for Ukraine, the pursuit of a cessation of hostilities, the maintenance of collective pressure on Russia, including through sanctions, and solid and credible security guarantees, to be defined in a spirit of collaboration between the two sides of the Atlantic." The American president also urged all willing countries to stop purchasing gas and oil from Russia to prevent Moscow from using those proceeds to increase its military capabilities.
Il UK With Starmer, he highlighted the commitment of the so-called Coalition of the Willing to supply "long-range missiles" to Ukraine among the conclusions of the Paris summit. Downing Street emphasized that Starmer, in his speech, called for "intensification of pressure" on Vladimir Putin to push Russia towards peace. Regarding military contributions, London has long stated its readiness to deploy a contingent on the ground along with others, provided there is US support.
Von der Leyen expressed satisfaction with this "crucial meeting," given what is at stake for the future and security of the entire continent. "There was determination, but also concrete results," the Commission President noted. "The leaders endorsed the work of their Chiefs of Staff and Defense Ministers. We will be relentless in our efforts to keep Ukraine strong, Europe secure, and achieve peace." The first and most solid line of security guarantees, von der Leyen explained, is a strong and unrestricted Ukrainian armed forces: "We must transform Ukraine into a steel hedgehog, indigestible to current and future aggressors.
This means permanent, strong, well-equipped and modern armed forcesOur defense industries are accelerating cooperation to achieve this goal. Europe will continue to train Ukrainian soldiers. Nearly 90.000 have already been trained. And we are committed to doing more.” The second level of the security guarantee “consists of reassurance forces with the 26 countries in the context of a ceasefire to ensure lasting peace and deter future aggression.” The third guarantee is a strong and credible European defense posture. “We need,” said the president of the European executive, “a surge in defense investment. Therefore, it is good news that Safe, our €150 billion defense fund, is fully subscribed with the participation of 19 member states. Most of them will invest not only in their own defense industrial bases, but also in those of Ukraine. This creates jobs in Europe.
