Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, has expressed his desire for a summit between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to be held in a neutral country, specifically suggesting Switzerland as the ideal location. During an interview with French broadcaster LCI, Macron emphasized the significance of European leaders being present at the negotiations, indicating a collective effort towards peace in the region.
Macron confirmed that discussions would begin immediately on drafting a proposal for security guarantees for Ukraine. He stated, "We will bring together the coalition of the willing," referring to a collaborative effort that includes British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to ensure all parties are kept informed. Furthermore, Macron noted the importance of working closely with the United States to determine which allies are prepared to contribute to these guarantees.
In a significant development during the discussions in Washington, Donald Trump highlighted that the United States could potentially help guarantee Ukraine's security once the conflict with Russia concludes. Historically, the U.S. has been hesitant to make firm commitments; however, Trump suggested that these security guarantees could be fulfilled by European nations in coordination with the United States. Nevertheless, the specifics of these guarantees remain unclear.
Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, mentioned that Russia has indicated a willingness to accept security guarantees akin to NATO's Article 5, which asserts that an attack on one NATO member is considered an attack on all. However, Trump clarified that this topic was not thoroughly discussed during the meeting.
President Zelensky announced that the formalization of security guarantees for Ukraine would occur within the next ten days, which includes a substantial commitment from the U.S. of approximately $90 billion (£66 billion) in military aid. Despite the ongoing discussions, Zelensky stated that no date has been set for a meeting with Putin, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire before any peace agreement is finalized.
As negotiations unfolded in Washington, Russia intensified its attacks across Ukraine, a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian crisis it has created. Reports indicated that Russian strikes had targeted several cities, including the Poltava region, disrupting power and damaging infrastructure. Although no casualties were reported, the attacks left many residents without electricity, highlighting the daily challenges faced by Ukrainians.
In a related incident, debris from destroyed Ukrainian drones caused fires in the Volgograd region of Russia, further complicating the situation. The Russian civil aviation authority confirmed that flights in and out of Volgograd were temporarily suspended due to these incidents.
As discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine proceed, analysts are exploring potential frameworks for these assurances. Historically, the U.S. has been cautious about committing troops to the conflict, viewing it primarily as a European issue. However, there are four broad categories of support that could be considered:
Boots on the Ground: This option is deemed unlikely, as Trump has expressed a reluctance to engage U.S. ground troops in the conflict. Air and Sea Patrols: While the U.S. has conducted surveillance flights, the idea of armed confrontations with Russia remains complex. Intelligence Support: U.S. intelligence has proven critical in assisting Ukraine against Russian advances and is likely to be a key area of cooperation. Logistical Support: The U.S. may provide logistical assistance to any future reassurance forces established by European nations.Following the meetings, European leaders shared their insights. Zelensky characterized the discussions as the most productive yet, expressing readiness for a bilateral meeting with Putin. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the unity displayed among leaders, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Trump to apply pressure on Russia for a ceasefire.
Macron echoed the call for a ceasefire, advocating for increased military support for Ukraine. Conversely, Finnish President Alexander Stubb cautioned that concrete plans for U.S. involvement in security guarantees remain to be seen, pointing out the inherent distrust toward Putin.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the need for measures to prevent future conflicts, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the importance of addressing the human cost of the war, notably the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russian forces.
As negotiations on security guarantees for Ukraine continue, UK PM Starmer indicated that further discussions with the U.S. would take place shortly. Both Trump and Zelensky expressed optimism about the recent talks, marking a significant shift in diplomatic relations compared to previous encounters.
While the specifics of the trilateral meeting between Trump, Zelensky, and Putin remain uncertain, the discussions signal a potential movement towards peace and stability in the region. The commitment to security guarantees, as well as the call for a ceasefire, will be critical in shaping the future of Ukraine and its relationships with global powers.
