Europe Ready to Provide Security Guarantees to Ukraine
Europe has announced its readiness to offer “security guarantees to Ukraine and Ukrainians on the day peace is signed,” with preparations reaching completion, French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Wednesday. Macron, speaking at the Élysée Palace alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasized that this marked a significant commitment from Europe. “The question now is whether Russia is sincere in its successive commitments when it proposed peace to the United States of America,” he remarked ahead of a summit and anticipated discussions with Donald Trump, reports 24brussels.
Macron, alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, chairs a coalition of 31 countries, primarily from Europe, prepared to support Ukraine militarily and potentially deploy troops once a ceasefire with Moscow is established. This coalition is designed to deter further Russian aggression.
However, various European nations have expressed the need for a “safety net” from the United States before committing to specific actions. The coalition members convened in Paris to deliberate on these issues with Zelensky, planning to contact Trump following their discussions, which are set for Thursday morning.
Deter Further Aggression
Prominent attendees will include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, along with other leaders joining via video link.
A phone call with Trump is scheduled for 14:00, followed by an official press briefing.
Increased US Military Presence
Trump, addressing reporters alongside Poland’s newly elected President Karol Nawrocki, indicated he would soon confer with Zelensky. A White House representative confirmed that the conversation would pertain to security assurances for Ukraine.
After meeting with Nawrocki, Trump declared his willingness to bolster the American troop presence in Poland, a strategic ally bordering Ukraine. Notably, there are currently about 10,000 US troops stationed in Poland, a point of contention for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump stated, “We will deploy more if they want us to. After all, we have close ties with Poland and will help Poland to protect itself.” This increased military presence has been a source of irritation for Russia, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
“With American soldiers on Polish territory, we are stronger and we are safe,” asserted Nawrocki, reiterating the importance of the US-Poland alliance in the face of regional threats.
