Today, a significant meeting of European defense ministers is set to take place, aiming to discuss the establishment of a peacekeeping force. This initiative could be a crucial component of the security guarantees that Ukraine has stated are essential to deter any future Russian aggression following a potential ceasefire. As President Emmanuel Macron remarked, “In unity, we find strength,” emphasizing the collaborative effort required for peace.
Defense ministers from Europe’s five primary military powers—France, Britain, Germany, Italy, and Poland—will gather in Paris under Macron’s leadership. This meeting reflects Europe’s ongoing commitment to developing a robust plan for providing Ukraine with security assurances, which may include a peacekeeping presence should a comprehensive peace agreement with Russia be achieved.
Just yesterday, Ukraine moved forward by agreeing to a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, paving the way for immediate negotiations following discussions in Saudi Arabia. The agreement reached in Jeddah came after an extensive nine-hour dialogue involving U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and a Ukrainian delegation led by the Foreign Minister and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff.
While Ukraine initially proposed a limited truce, focusing on temporarily halting air and naval attacks, the joint statement has since expanded to advocate for a complete, 30-day ceasefire and prompt peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
In further developments, U.S. and Ukrainian officials have hinted at imminent discussions regarding a deal that would secure U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources. In response, the Russian foreign ministry, as reported by Tass, indicated that critical updates would originate not from the U.S. or Ukraine but from Moscow itself.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was quoted asserting, “Russia will not tolerate NATO troops in Ukraine,” stressing Russia’s firm stance on international military presence.
Secretary Rubio revealed that the U.S. plans to present the ceasefire proposal to Russia, expressing hope that Moscow might “say yes to peace.” If they do not accept, he warned that the true barrier to peace would be laid bare.
In the coming days, former President Trump is expected to connect with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, with a possibility of President Zelensky returning to the White House as discussions progress. U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz noted that the Jeddah talks delved into “substantive details” essential for establishing a permanent resolution to the conflict, including the types of guarantees available for Ukraine’s long-term security.
President Macron has expressed approval of the U.S.-Ukrainian initiative, reinforcing Europe’s collective dedication to ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
