Macron: 26 countries have officially committed to sending troops to Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron held a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following the Coalition of Volunteers Summit in Paris. Speaking at the press conference held at the Elysee Palace after the online summit, which was attended by leaders of allied countries belonging to the Coalition of Volunteers as well as US President Donald Trump via remote link, Macron stated, "As of today, there are 26 countries that have officially committed to sending troops to Ukraine and maintaining a presence on the ground, at sea, or in the air as part of a security guarantee."

"THE PLAN IS IN THE HANDS OF OUR CHIEFS OF STAFF AND IS READY"

Macron said, "These forces will be deployed within the scope of a ceasefire, not on the front line, but in geographical areas that are currently being determined. This is our and Ukraine's defense line. We have no intention of showing our plan to Putin's Russia. The plan is in the hands of our chiefs of staff and is ready."

Adding that this force is not intended to wage a war against Russia, Macron announced that the form of US support for the security guarantees to be provided by Europe will be finalized in the coming days. In his statement following the online summit, which he co-chaired with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Macron said, "We will finalize US support in the coming days. However, it has been stated very clearly that all members of the Coalition of Volunteers, whether from Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, or Canada, are assuming responsibility."

Emphasizing that the security guarantees will primarily include commitments to the reconstruction and strengthening of the Ukrainian army, Macron said that Germany and other countries would join this effort. Macron also announced that if Russia continues to reject a peace agreement, European countries will begin to implement new sanctions against Russia in cooperation with the US.

"A SERIES OF IMPORTANT DATES HAVE BEEN SET"

Macron said, "We have decided to coordinate our sanction measures to be more effective at both the primary and secondary sanction levels and to limit Russia's effectiveness. A few minutes ago, I had the opportunity to discuss this exact issue with President Trump. Further talks will be held between the Russian side and their US counterparts, and a series of important dates have been set. We will ensure that these dates are adhered to."

CALL TO STOP PURCHASING RUSSIAN OIL

It was stated that during the meeting, US President Donald Trump emphasized that Europe should stop purchasing Russian oil, warning that by doing so, they are helping Russia finance its war against Ukraine. A White House official said, "The President also emphasized that European leaders should exert economic pressure on China, as it is financing Russia's war efforts."

"THE FIRST CONCRETE STEP"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the allied countries that agreed to send troops to Ukraine after the war, describing this decision as the "first concrete step." At the press conference, Zelenskyy said, "For the first time in a long time, I think such a serious and concrete step has been taken today."

Zelenskyy added, "Germany, Italy, and Poland, of course, these countries are among Ukraine's security guarantors. We will not go into details right now about what each country is prepared to offer."