Britain and France prepare plan for security guarantees for Ukraine — Bloomberg

The UK and France are working together on a plan to strengthen Ukraine's negotiating position to end the war. US President Donald Trump could potentially support this initiative.

According to Bloomberg, the defence ministers of five key European powers met in Paris on Wednesday to coordinate assistance to Ukraine as US troops withdraw.

French Defence Minister Sébastien Le Coronneu noted that the basis of Ukraine's security is its army — its capabilities, weapons and training. He also stressed that long-term security guarantees would depend on the contributions that European countries could provide.

According to Bloomberg, each country has made offers of support. Some countries that have ruled out sending troops to Ukraine are considering deploying their forces in neighbouring European countries or providing other assistance, such as equipment or intelligence.

In the coming days, military experts will present detailed options for a peacekeeping force to leaders such as Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. After that, the plan will be discussed in a virtual meeting with other leaders, and then proposed to US President Donald Trump. The leaders hope to receive security guarantees from the United States in the form of air force, intelligence and border control support without the direct involvement of the US military in the peacekeeping mission.

However, experts warn that the absence of US involvement will significantly reduce the amount of intelligence and the ability to counter ballistic threats. In addition, the United Kingdom and France warn against concessions to Vladimir Putin that could lead to the demilitarisation of Ukraine or the holding of elections before a sustainable peace agreement is concluded. Keir Starmer also stressed the need to resolve the issue of abductions of Ukrainian children by Russia.

Officials believe that the agreement to temporarily end the conflict for 30 days, combined with plans for a peacekeeping mission, could create additional pressure on Russia to make concessions. At the same time, concerns about Russia using this time for rearmament remain relevant.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that a detailed discussion of security guarantees for Ukraine would take place if Russia agrees to 30 days of silence.

As a reminder, the Ukrainian delegation recently met with US representatives in Saudi Arabia. After the meeting, the head of the Presidential Office, Andrii Yermak, said that Ukraine had expressed its readiness to accept the US proposal for a temporary ceasefire for 30 days.

For his part, Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine accepts the US proposal for a temporary ceasefire for 30 days, and now «if Russians agree, the silence will work».