US backs post-ceasefire guarantees as coalition plans troops, training and monitoring mechanisms
January 7, 2026: Ukraine’s key allies outlined a multi-layered security framework at a high-level summit in Paris, signalling stronger collective backing for Kyiv in the event of a ceasefire with Russia. The meeting, attended by senior leaders and officials from the US, France, the UK, Canada, the EU and NATO, marked a rare moment of alignment, with Washington openly supporting security guarantees that would activate after a truce. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the talks made “excellent progress” but cautioned that peace would depend on Moscow’s willingness to compromise, adding that Russia was yet to show serious intent.
Under the proposed framework, Ukraine will receive long-term military support including training, equipment and operational assistance across air, land and sea domains. France and the UK announced plans to set up military hubs and protected weapons facilities inside Ukraine if a ceasefire takes hold, while President Emmanuel Macron said “several thousand” French troops could be deployed in a non-combat, reassurance role. The coalition also agreed on legally and politically binding guarantees, including participation in a US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism.
Russia reacted cautiously, reiterating its opposition to any NATO troop presence in Ukraine and insisting that a ceasefire must be part of a broader settlement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the commitments, saying detailed planning had already been carried out on troop deployment, weapon systems and command structures. He stressed that deterrence was key to preventing future aggression, while coalition leaders described the Paris talks as demonstrating “unprecedented unity” and laying the groundwork for a just and lasting peace.