Ukraine Security Guarantees Paris 2026: Multinational Forces and the Trump Factor

The landscape of Ukraine's future defense is shifting. In a high-stakes meeting in Paris on January 7, 2026, more than two dozen nations issued a joint declaration stating that any end to the war must be backed by "robust security guarantees." This marks a pivotal moment as allies prepare for a potential ceasefire scenario that could see European boots on the ground.

Ukraine Security Guarantees Paris 2026 and Multinational Deployments

French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have signaled their intent to deploy forces to support Kyiv’s defense and reconstruction. Macron stated that "several thousand" French soldiers could be sent to act as a "force of reassurance," though they wouldn't engage in direct combat. Meanwhile, the UK plans to establish "military hubs" across Ukraine to safeguard equipment and military assets.

Crucially, the United States has publicly backed these guarantees for the first time. US envoy Steve Witkoff noted that President Donald Trump "strongly stands behind security protocols" to deter future attacks. However, a specific clause promising US support in the event of a new Russian attack was omitted from the final communique, indicating a calculated limit to Washington's commitment.

Divisions Among Allies and Battlefield Realities

Unity isn't absolute. While Belgium offered naval and air support, Croatia and the Czech Republic refused to send troops. The Czech government went further, announcing it would stop funding ammunition for Ukraine. On the ground, the violence continues unabated. Zaporizhia reportedly faced 856 attacks in a single day, while Russia claimed to have downed 129 drones overnight.