Europe Kiev supporters discuss military concept in Paris
Top representatives from 31 countries are expected in Paris today for a summit to support Ukraine.
27.03.2025, 05:23
SDA
The so-called "coalition of the willing" will discuss security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire between Kiev and Moscow, the Élysée Palace announced.
A multi-layered concept of military guarantees and aid for Ukraine, which is being developed under the leadership of France and the UK, is to be finalized. Chancellor Olaf Scholz will be attending on behalf of Germany. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, who had already consulted with French President Emmanuel Macron the previous evening, are also expected to attend.
France puts together new armaments package
Macron announced the delivery of further weapons worth two billion euros. The arms package includes missiles, tanks and ammunition.
Selensky expressed his thanks for the arms aid, which he described as a strong package. He also informed Macron about the ceasefire negotiations, he said at the joint press conference.
On Platform X, Selenskyj thanked Macron and the French nation for their unwavering support. "Right now, much can and must be done to ensure real security in Europe and stability for all our people - together with France and all partners in Europe and beyond."
Selenskyj's complaint about Russia - and the US special envoy
While technical issues such as monitoring are still open in the agreed renunciation of strikes against energy objects, an agreement on a ceasefire in the Black Sea is more difficult in his opinion. Russia is trying to push through additional demands there, said Selenskyj, who once again accused Moscow of wanting to continue the war and dragging out the negotiations. Additional pressure on Moscow was therefore necessary, he said, against the backdrop of the US administration's plans to ease sanctions against Russia.
In a separate press conference, Selenskyj then also criticized the US special envoy Steve Witkoff. "I find that Witkoff very often quotes the Kremlin narrative", he said. This does not bring peace any closer and weakens the Americans' pressure on Russia. Witkoff, a real estate agent whom US President Donald Trump has made one of his most important emissaries for the Russia-Ukraine complex, has recently made several conspicuously positive statements about Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin and repeated Russian narratives.
Selensky has now characterized Witkoff's statements as disruptive and obstructive. Ukraine is defending itself against a country 40 times its size and is therefore naturally hoping for help from the USA in particular. "Even if America has chosen the tactic of being in the middle today, then the middle is in the middle and not closer to the Kremlin," said Selenskyj - even if he avoided open criticism of Trump himself and emphasized his gratitude for the US aid. In an interview with various European media, including ARD, Zelensky reiterated that Kiev continues to regard the USA as an important partner.
Kiev hopes for Europe
As the position of the USA is uncertain, Ukraine is pinning all the more hopes on the continued support of the Europeans. Further emergency military aid for Ukraine and the path to a ceasefire are to be discussed in Paris. Another topic will be long-term support for the Ukrainian army and its defense capabilities in order to fend off renewed Russian aggression after a possible peace agreement. Russia's war of aggression against neighboring Ukraine has been going on for more than three years.
In Paris, the possible deployment of European armed forces to Ukraine, which has been under discussion for some time, will also be discussed. As Macron said in the evening, the task of such forces would be to secure important cities and strategic bases. However, these troops should not be on the front line and deployed against the Russian armed forces.
Rather, the presence of possible European troops should deter the Russians from attacking again and enable Kiev to hold positions in a possible peace zone on Ukrainian territory. In the event of renewed general aggression against Ukraine, the troops would be in a position to respond, said Macron.
Security guarantor USA remains necessary
According to the French idea, European countries could participate in this mission in various ways, i.e. not only by sending soldiers. The superpower USA would therefore be the overarching security guarantor. However, Washington has not agreed to this.
According to the German Press Agency, the Western supporting states are considering observing a possible demilitarized zone on the border between Russia and Ukraine, primarily from the air and with the help of technical means such as satellites and drones. In addition, naval units could be deployed to monitor freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. European armed forces could then be stationed on Ukraine's western border and offer training programs for Ukrainian partners, for example.
The background to the plans is US President Donald Trump's attempts to force Ukraine and Russia to conclude a ceasefire agreement. In this context, many Europeans fear that Ukraine in particular would have to make concessions and that the country could soon fall victim to another Russian attack without credible security guarantees.
A peacekeeping force in the true sense of the word would therefore possibly be mobilized via the United Nations and consist exclusively of soldiers from impartial third countries.
Many injured in Kharkiv after Russian shelling
According to official information, at least 17 people have been injured by heavy Russian drone fire in the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv. Nine people were injured in the city of Kharkiv and a further eight in the village of Solochiv, the region's military governor, Oleh Synyehubov, announced on Telegram. The number of injured could rise further. At least two minors are among the victims.
Seoul: Pyongyang sends more soldiers to Russia
According to the South Korean military leadership, North Korea has sent at least 3,000 additional soldiers to support Russia in the Ukraine war. "It seems that at least 3,000 more soldiers were sent in January and February," the official Yonhap news agency quoted the South Korean General Staff as saying. Previously, North Korea had already sent around 11,000 North Korean soldiers to the Russian region around Kursk last fall.
One possible reason for North Korea's additional troop deployment could be the high casualties of the North Korean units of up to 4,000 wounded and dead.
