Macron’s Paris Summit | Strong Security Guarantees for Ukraine 2025

Macron Leads Paris Summit: Strong Security Guarantees for Ukraine

On September 4, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a historic summit in Paris, bringing together nearly 30 Western leaders along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Known as the “Coalition of the Willing”, the summit focused on creating a solid framework of security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent any future Russian aggression.

At the center of the plan is the creation of a multinational “reassurance force”, with between 10,000 and 30,000 troops ready for deployment. The United Kingdom has offered to take the lead, while Estonia and Lithuania have signaled conditional support. Additional measures include air patrols, naval demining operations, and ongoing military aid, designed to give Ukraine a credible defense against further attacks.

In his address, Macron emphasized Europe’s historic responsibility and declared:

“After months of technical preparation, we now have a complete and confidential plan, awaiting only political approval.”

This statement highlighted Europe’s determination to step into a leadership role in safeguarding Ukraine, marking what Macron called an unprecedented level of attention and intensity.

However, the success of the plan depends heavily on the United States. President Donald Trump has pledged air defense, intelligence, and surveillance support, but under the condition that Europe assumes operational leadership. Inside Europe, divisions remain clear. The UK has expressed readiness to take charge, Italy has refused participation, and Germany remains cautious, insisting that firm ceasefire conditions must be in place before making final commitments.

The Paris summit goes beyond Ukraine’s immediate security. It also represents a turning point for European strategic autonomy. If the coalition succeeds, Europe will reduce its dependence on U.S. security guarantees and emerge as a more independent actor in global defense. But if political disagreements persist, Russia could exploit these divisions to its advantage.

For Ukraine, the timing is critical. With Russian drone and missile strikes continuing, strong guarantees are not just symbolic—they are essential for survival. Macron’s leadership has given Europe a new direction, but the real test lies in whether coalition partners can turn promises into action.

The Paris summit has set the stage for a new era of European responsibility in global security. Whether this becomes a milestone or just another declaration on paper will depend on the unity and resolve of Macron’s coalition in the months ahead.