UK, France, and Ukraine Sign Letter of Intent on Multinational Security Force

'Coalition of the Willing' Summit Held in Paris
Full Integration of All Relevant Forces... Coordination Body Formalized
Zelensky Welcomes Creation of "Substantive Document"

On the 6th (local time), the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Ukraine reached an agreement on a post-war plan to deploy multinational forces to guarantee Ukraine's security after a ceasefire, and signed a corresponding letter of intent.

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine (left), Emmanuel Macron, President of France (center), and Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, shake hands after signing a letter of intent to deploy multinational forces in Ukraine following a ceasefire at the 'Coalition of the Willing' summit held on the 6th (local time) at the ?lys?e Palace in Paris, France. Photo by AP Yonhap News

Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom, President Emmanuel Macron of France, and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine signed the letter of intent after concluding the 'Coalition of the Willing' summit in Paris, France on the same day.

Following the 'Coalition of the Willing' summit, which included participation from 35 countries including major European nations, President Macron of France stated that the plan aims to "ensure Ukraine is not forced to surrender and that any future peace agreement is not violated." He further added, "We have formalized a coordination body to fully integrate all relevant forces and to facilitate cooperation among the Allies, the United States, and Ukraine."

Regarding U.S. participation, President Macron said, "The United States has made its intention to participate clear, particularly in terms of frontline monitoring," and added, "We have secured U.S. support for rear operations."

The newly agreed security framework centers on establishing a 'ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism' led by the United States and, once the ceasefire takes effect, deploying a Europe-led multinational force to Ukraine upon its request. The Guardian assessed, "While this is a significant new commitment that has been under discussion for months, there is a high likelihood that Russia will strongly oppose it."

President Zelensky, during a press conference, welcomed the creation of a "substantive document, not just words," by the allies to guarantee Ukraine's security.

He stated, "We have confirmed the countries ready to take the lead in guaranteeing security on land, in the air, at sea, and in the field of reconstruction," and explained, "We have also determined the necessary size of the force, how it will operate, and under what command structure it will be deployed." However, he did not disclose specific figures.

The U.S. delegation at the summit included Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy of President Donald Trump, and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law. Witkoff said at a joint press conference, "We believe discussions on the Ukraine security protocol are largely in their final stages," and added, "We share the view with the Allies that sustainable security guarantees are essential for lasting peace in Ukraine."

While the United States and Ukraine have reached considerable agreement on the overall framework for ending the war, significant differences remain on key issues such as territorial matters and the operation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Witkoff stated, "We have heard President Zelensky and others discussing territorial issues," adding, "This will be the most critical issue, and we hope a compromise or agreement can be reached on this matter."