French President Emmanuel Macron said that 26 countries are ready to send troops to Ukraine once a ceasefire deal is reached. He explained that the troops could come by land, sea, or air the day after fighting stops. This plan was agreed during a meeting of 35 nations, called the “Coalition of the Willing.”
Macron said these countries would give security guarantees to Ukraine as soon as the guns go silent. But hopes for peace remain low. Talks between Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky seem unlikely, even though US President Donald Trump believes a deal can be done.
Trump told Western leaders that the US may provide support, most likely through air protection for Ukraine’s skies. Zelensky said he has already spoken with Trump about this. Trump also urged Europe to stop buying Russian oil and gas to weaken Moscow’s economy.
European leaders promised to cut Russian fuel imports by 2027, but Russia still earns billions of euros from these sales. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Western allies now have an “unbreakable pledge” to Ukraine.
Russia strongly opposes Western troops in Ukraine, but NATO’s new chief Mark Rutte said Russia has no right to decide. Meanwhile, Russia continues its attacks, including one that killed two people clearing mines in northern Ukraine.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the first step is to secure a ceasefire, then provide strong guarantees for Ukraine’s safety. Macron compared the plan to the Korean War ceasefire, which has lasted for decades with US troops still present.
Putin, however, insists the war will only end with a full peace deal, not just a ceasefire, and says Russia will continue its military campaign if necessary.
-Peace News Desk