Macron: “Signed”

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Macron after the summit: “We agree”

Isaac Turner

Updated 23.01 | Published 19.48

The countries agree.

There will be security guarantees for Ukraine.

– Guarantees for long-term peace, says French President Emmanuel Macron.

The summit in Paris has ended and with clear messages – they agree on security guarantees for Ukraine.

Emmanuel Macron confirms together with Volodymyr Zelenskyj and Keir Starmer that they have signed the agreement.

– Today we have made significant progress. This is reflected in the Paris Declaration which provides strong guarantees for long-term peace, says French President Emmanuel Macron, according to Sky News.

He continues that this is happening for the first time.

– It recognizes for the first time an operational coordination between the 35 countries that are part of the coalition of the willing, Ukraine and the United States. We are talking about strong security guarantees.

Macron also emphasizes the importance of the US acting.

– They are the only ones who have the ability to provide certain guarantees, and all of that is of crucial importance, he says. 

FACTS

This means the agreement

• With the US at the forefront, together with help from other countries, they will monitor compliance with the ceasefire.
• Ukraine will have 800,000 soldiers with the right training, military capabilities and the necessary resources to deter new attacks.
• A multinational force in the air, on the ground and at sea, which will create security after the ceasefire has come into force.
• Ukraine's allies will legally commit to supporting Ukraine if Russia attacks again. 

Progress in the peace plan

Zelenskyj describes the new Paris Declaration as "very concrete".

– This shows the willingness of the coalition and the European countries to work for peace, he says.

He also states that progress has been made on the 20-point plan for peace but that there are still issues that “need to be resolved”.

– What we really need to work on is the issue of the country’s borders. We have a number of ideas that can help, says Zelenskyj.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says it is important that European and American allies continue to work side by side for peace.

– We are closer to the goal than ever, but the most difficult steps are still ahead of us, he says.

 

Emmanuel Macron says at a press conference after the summit in Paris that European leaders have agreed on security guarantees for Ukraine. Photo: Michel Euler/AP

“Big milestone”

US envoy Steve Witkoff says they will meet the Ukrainian delegation again in the evening and that it is “largely done”.

– We are here to mediate and help in the peace process, and we are prepared to do whatever it takes to get there. President Trump wants the killing to stop and the bloodbath to end, he says.

Donald Trump's son-in-law and envoy, Jared Kushner, adds:

– This does not mean there will be peace, but thanks to this meeting we have come closer to a peace agreement. Today was a very, very big milestone, he says.

 

Macron and the other leaders have signed a declaration on Ukraine. Photo: Ludovic Marin/AP