European capitals are secretly working out detailed plans for the deployment of a multinational force to Ukraine, to be applied after the conflict, with the strong support of the United States. The talks have been disclosed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in an interview with the Financial Times, where she referred to security assurances for Kyiv as “paramount and absolutely crucial.”
Security Roadmap With US Involvement
Von der Leyen explained the post-war security roadmap for Ukraine had actually been settled in talks at the White House recently. The arrangement would include tens of thousands of troops led by Europe, backed by American capabilities such as intelligence, surveillance, and command systems. She insisted former President Donald Trump had “repeatedly confirmed” Washington’s commitment to being included in the security backstop.
This is the strongest signal yet that Europe is planning for a sustained military deployment in Ukraine, shifting from packages of aid to full-time security frameworks. Diplomats explained that the suggestions demonstrate a deepening perception that only tangible Western pledges have the capacity to deter Russia once conflict ceases.
Russia Strikes Back as Talks Advance
Even as the post-war assurances were written by leaders, fighting on the battlefield continued. Overnight Russian shelling of the southern city of Zaporizhzhia killed at least one and injured 25, Ukrainian rescue services said. President Volodymyr Zelensky made a new call for Western help, stating that Moscow’s “massive” air campaign had no indication of the intention to wind down.
In turn, France and Germany committed to supplying additional air defense systems to Kyiv, emphasizing the need to bolster Ukraine’s defense. “In spite of an intensive international diplomatic effort, Russia has no intention of stopping its war of aggression,” Paris and Berlin stated in a joint statement.
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High-Level Talks in Paris This Week
The draft for multinational troop deployments is likely to hold center stage during the European leaders’ meet in Paris later this week. French President Emmanuel Macron will be hosting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and von der Leyen for additional talks.
A senior official said the gathering will seek to settle the size of European donations and responsibility-sharing among NATO allies and the EU. The result is expected to define Europe’s security strategy for years to come, highlighting the continent’s commitment to keeping Ukraine firmly in the Western orbit.
