Macron Facilitates Security Talks for Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

Thu Jan 08 2026 00:42:00 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

French President Emmanuel Macron convenes a coalition of over 30 nations to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine in light of the escalating war with Russia. Key leaders, including Ukraine's Zelensky and U.S. representatives, focus on peace strategies and military support.

In Paris, President Macron is leading a critical meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky and more than 30 allied nations to finalize security agreements for Ukraine amidst ongoing hostilities with Russia. The talks address military efforts, peace negotiations, and security guarantees essential for Ukraine's sovereignty.

French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky and other key allies of the country as efforts intensify to agree on security guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a ceasefire with Russia.

Heads of state and top officials from more than 30 countries—part of the so-called Coalition of the Willing—are taking part, including US mediators in peace talks Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law.

Zelensky recently met with Trump and disclosed that his plan to end the war with Russia was 90% agreed. However, the proposals are yet to be presented to Russia, whose responses have not been promising.

The remaining 10% of the agreement still needs to address territorial concessions that Kyiv is being asked to make. Currently, Moscow controls approximately 75% of the Donetsk region, and nearly 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region.

Russia, having launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, is pushing for complete control of Donbas and shows reluctance to agree on a temporary ceasefire, intensifying attacks aimed at crippling Ukraine's energy supplies during the winter.

In a reciprocal response, Ukraine has targeted Russian territories with drone strikes, including an oil depot last week.

Among those attending the Paris meeting are UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The agenda likely includes establishing a multinational force to reassure Ukraine after a peace deal, and what security guarantees to offer in case of renewed Russian aggression.

There's an ongoing emphasis on securing a guarantee from the US regarding support for Ukraine should Russia violate terms of a potential peace treaty.

Discussions are also overshadowed by recent U.S. military actions in Venezuela, generating significant geopolitical implications, complicating the focus on peace in Ukraine. The outcomes of this summit will be pivotal for the future of Ukraine in this ongoing conflict.