U.S. and European Leaders Collaborate on Ukraine Security Plan
In Washington, President Trump’s peace envoy, Steve Witkoff, along with Jared Kushner, entered into a five-point agreement with European leaders in Paris aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s security as they look for a resolution to the ongoing Russian aggression, which has persisted for nearly four years.
The joint statement from major NATO allies and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy does leave some details unclear, but it does outline significant progress. Notably, it mentions a “U.S.-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism” designed to manage any breaches, assign accountability, and propose remedies.
The agreement also includes commitments for “considerable long-term military support” for Kyiv, the establishment of a “European-led” multinational peacekeeping force, and additional military assistance and potential sanctions should further Russian attacks occur. Moreover, there’s a reemphasis on “mutually beneficial defense cooperation” with Ukraine.
Some key issues still remain unresolved. One centers on President Zelenskiy’s recent call for both Ukrainian and Russian forces to withdraw from the front lines, aiming to create a demilitarized zone in exchange for Ukraine potentially conceding to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s request for Ukraine to give up the northern Donetsk Oblast.
Both British and French leaders have confirmed their readiness to send troops for monitoring purposes if a ceasefire is established.
Witkoff shared in a statement that he and Kushner plan to continue discussions with Zelenskiy from Tuesday evening through Wednesday and hinted at future efforts to help rebuild Ukraine.
“We believe the security protocols are nearly final. This is crucial to assure the Ukrainian populace that when this ends, it will be permanent,” Witkoff stated during a press conference alongside Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
He added, “We’re also very close to finalizing a prosperity agreement that could be the most robust ever seen post-conflict.” This suggests expansive opportunities for Ukrainians and refugees returning from war to find quality jobs, in collaboration with notable financial figures like Larry Fink from BlackRock.
Addressing ongoing territorial disputes with Russia remains a pressing challenge. “I’ve heard discussions about land options from President Zelenskiy and others here. That will be crucial,” he noted. “We need to keep these conversations going to hopefully find a workable compromise.”
The security framework discussed aims to deter further aggression and bolster defense measures, which Witkoff believes are unprecedented. He reiterated, “I will not back down from my commitments.”
Despite the ongoing negotiations, Trump has faced frustration from some quarters as he endeavors to navigate relations with both Zelenskiy and Putin in pursuit of a peace agreement.
Zelenskiy met with Trump in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 28, where Trump again expressed cautious optimism about the situation.
“You could say 95%, but I don’t want to quantify it precisely; however, I believe we’re making good progress,” Trump mentioned. “There are one or two very complex issues ahead, but I genuinely think we’re on the right path.”
