Paris Demands Strong Security Guarantees for Kyiv Before Discussing Territorial Issues

Paris has reaffirmed its demand for "strong security guarantees" for Kyiv before addressing the issue of Ukrainian territories that Moscow is demanding to be ceded. This follows statements from the circle of French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, after meetings in Berlin focused on the matter. These sources stated: "We want, above all, strong security guarantees before any discussion regarding territories."

1. Progress on Guarantees and the U.S. Peace Plan

• Security Progress: Macron's circle noted "progress regarding guarantees," based on the work of a "coalition of willing nations" and a clarification of U.S. support mechanisms.

• The Trump Administration Stance: President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly promised a swift peace, seeks to halt the fighting "at any cost." While the U.S. has been a major supporter since the 2022 invasion, Trump has occasionally expressed frustration with Kyiv's positions.

• Amending the Plan: Europeans and Ukrainians viewed the initial U.S. peace plan, announced last November, as biased toward Russian demands and have since sought to amend it.

• Berlin Talks: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks in Berlin on Sunday and Monday with Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner, which included a working dinner with European leaders like Keir Starmer and Macron.

2. The Territorial Obstacle and Military Protection

• The Donbas Dilemma: Russia demands the annexation of several Ukrainian regions, with the industrialized Donbas in the East being a priority. Trump is pushing Kyiv toward concessions, but Ukraine views this front as a fortified protective barrier for the rest of the country.

• Multinational Force: Major European leaders proposed in a joint statement the deployment of a "multinational force" in Ukraine as part of "strong security guarantees" backed by the U.S. to prevent Russia from violating any future ceasefire.

3. Funding Ukraine through Frozen Russian Assets

• Financial Support: The EU is attempting to reach a consensus on using tens of billions in frozen Russian assets (mostly held in Belgium) to support the Ukrainian military and fund reconstruction.

• Brussels Summit: This issue will be a main focus of the European summit in Brussels starting Thursday. Macron’s circle stated that France remains "neutral regarding the specific solution" for funding, as long as it provides Kyiv with the "necessary capacity to endure in the long term."