Europe Starts to Build a Security Backstop for Ukraine
Macron and Starmer claim mantle as Europe's defenders.
The Paris summit on Ukraine, French president Emmanuel Macron outlined a framework for a European-led security effort in Ukraine. The idea is built around a “coalition of the willing” — countries ready to send support, even without full EU or NATO consensus.
Macron sketched out three parts. First, more direct military aid to Ukraine. Second, a reassurance force — not on the front lines but in strategic areas — meant to offer a layer of deterrence. Third, a broader coordination effort to rearm Europe and speed up military planning.
"There are a number of countries who are prepared - either through the air or with boots on the ground - to provide security guarantees to Ukraine,” said Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the event. "There are more countries like that and it is good news."
There’s no agreement yet on deploying a European-led force. Macron admitted that some countries at the Paris summit opposed it. But he said consensus wasn’t needed to move forward. A group of committed states could act.
He also made a point of stressing Europe’s need to prepare for a scenario where the United States steps back from defending Europe from Russian incursions. Macron referred to Donald Trump and left open the possibility that he might shift course — especially if Russia refuses to engage seriously.
UK prime minister Keir Starmer backed the general direction. He said military leaders from the UK, France, and Germany will go to Kyiv to help the Ukrainian army plan for the next stage of the war. A new defence contact group will also meet soon to coordinate more military aid.
The effort now, suggested Macron, is about momentum. These signals point to a definite change in position in terms of European defence and military resources.
