Europe presents security guarantees plan for Ukraine: Six key points
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders (Getty Images)
European leaders have unveiled a security guarantees plan for Ukraine. It includes, among other measures, protection of the country's airspace and maritime navigation, according to a joint statement by European leaders.
The joint statement outlining the plan was signed by:
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz;
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen;
- Finnish President Alexander Stubb;
- French President Emmanuel Macron;
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni;
- Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof;
- Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre;
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk;
- Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson;
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer;
- President of the European Council António Costa;
- President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
The leaders said they welcomed the significant progress made through the efforts of US President Donald Trump to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. They also agreed to work with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to achieve sustainable peace.
"Leaders agreed that ensuring the security, sovereignty, and prosperity of Ukraine was integral for wider Euro-Atlantic security. They were clear that Ukraine and its people deserved a prosperous, independent, and sovereign future, free from fear of future Russian aggression," the statement says.
As a result, both Europe and the United States have committed to working together to provide Ukraine with robust security guarantees. These include:
Continued military support for Ukraine
Ukraine's Armed Forces should remain at a level of up to 800,000 troops in peacetime to deter aggression and defend the country's territory.
A European-led "multinational force Ukraine"
Formed within the Coalition of the Willing with US support, the force would help restore Ukraine's capabilities, protect its airspace, and ensure maritime security, with potential operations inside Ukraine.
A ceasefire monitoring mechanism
US-led monitoring with international participation to provide early warning of attacks, record violations, and respond to them.
Legally binding security guarantees
In the event of a future attack, these would require a response using military, intelligence, economic, and diplomatic means.
Investment in Ukraine's recovery
Funding for reconstruction, trade agreements, and compensation for damage caused by Russia. Russian assets in the EU would remain frozen.
Support for Ukraine's EU accession
The leaders pledged firm support for Ukraine's accession to the European Union.
Security guarantees for Ukraine
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that security guarantees must include monitoring of the situation along the line of contact.
According to him, the question of whether troops from other countries could be deployed there is still under discussion.
Meanwhile, on December 1, French President Emmanuel Macron said that the Coalition of the Willing had already completed work on security guarantees for Ukraine.
