The Coalition of the Willing, consisting of the majority of the EU countries, has pledged to deploy a force in Ukraine after a peace deal is reached with Moscow to prevent future attacks on nations in the bloc.
The reassurance force is promised to Ukraine by the European backers only if both sides agree to a ceasefire in the near future. However, Ukraine and its backers are now getting frustrated because Putin, despite meeting Trump, is showing no interest in peace talks.
The Paris Summit was hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron after Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un were reportedly seen sharing the same platform while pledging support for Moscow’s war against EU-backed Ukraine. The war in Ukraine has created a visible rift between the global north and the global south, where China is assuming a central role in global geopolitics.
President Macron, who has been a leading voice in support of Ukraine, said Paris will do everything to protect Kyiv’s legitimate interests. At the same time, the United States has pulled its support.
"We have today 26 countries who have formally committed -- some others have not yet taken a position -- to deploy as a 'reassurance force' troops in Ukraine or be present on the ground, in the sea, or in the air," Macron said.
Also Read: Russia hits Ukraine as Putin joins China parade
Zelensky, whose presidency ended last year but remains in power due to martial law in the country, hailed the move, saying, "I think that today, for the first time in a long time, this is the first such serious concrete step.”
Macron said the troops will not be deployed “on the front lines”, but they aim to prevent any new and major aggression.” His comments were shrouded with suspense on whether he would be sending troops or the French legion to defend Ukraine in its war against Russia.
The United States, which has been a primary reason why the war started in the first place, has avoided making commitments that would require Washington to send weapons and military aid to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the French president went further and accused Russia of "doing nothing other than trying to play for time" and intensifying attacks against civilians. The gathering followed Putin's high-profile trips to China and the United States, where he met with Trump in Alaska last month.
Also Read: Ukraine rejects Putin-Zelensky meeting in Moscow
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