Based on insights from people privy to the talks, the plan would essentially halt the conflict — Ukraine’s regions now seized by Russia would stay under Russian governance.
Furthermore, Kyiv would need to relinquish its ambitions of joining NATO. The sources did not provide any additional information.
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During the “coalition of the willing” meeting in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron had discussions with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Additional talks took place involving U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, national security advisors, as well as representatives from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine.
U.S. officials emphasized that they aim to achieve a full ceasefire within weeks. Allies are expected to reconvene in London next week to continue the talks.
A source close to Bloomberg mentioned that these suggested strategies—still needing further collaboration with Kyiv—are not yet finalized. The European allies refuse to acknowledge the Ukrainian regions currently under Russian control as being rightfully part of Russia.
Officials stressed that the negotiations would be meaningless unless the Kremlin agrees to halt combat operations. At the same time, providing Ukraine with security guarantees to enforce any future agreement is seen as crucial.
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According to a source from Bloomberg, Kyiv has already consented to a truce and maintains that Moscow needs to follow suit before proceeding with talks about other issues.
As stated by the source, the Ukrainian representatives at the summit highlighted the necessity of defining who would oversee a potential ceasefire and what form a possible peacekeeping mission should take.
The discussions in Paris were rooted in proposals from France and Britain to send “safeguard forces” to Ukraine and enhance the Ukrainian armed services.
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Officials in Paris and London hope the proposal will demonstrate Europe’s commitment to investing in Ukraine’s postwar future — and at the same time, persuade Donald Trump to support these guarantees, Bloomberg added.
Still, any easing of sanctions against Russia could be a contentious issue for several of Ukraine’s allies. Lifting or softening European Union restrictions, including unfreezing Russian assets, would require consensus from all EU members.
Previously, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. anticipates advancements toward peace in Ukraine within days; otherwise, President Donald Trump will be informed that continuing these discussions may not serve their purpose.
On April 17, Trump mentioned that he anticipated receiving information from Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding a potential ceasefire in Ukraine sometime that week. Previously, Rubio had indicated that Washington wouldn’t engage in endless negotiations with Russia and planned to evaluate within a few weeks if the Kremlin was genuinely committed to pursuing peace.
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On that very day in Paris, an official group from Ukraine headed by Andrii Yermak, who serves as the president’s chief of staff, had meetings with members of the “coalition of the willing” along with U.S. officials including Rubio, Witkoff, and Keith Kellogg.
After the meeting, Ukraine’s Presidential Office stated that the attendees concurred a complete and unconditional cease-fire should be the initial move towards lasting peace. They also deliberated over how this measure would be put into practice.
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The New Voice of Ukraine
Section: Nation
Author: Alex Stezhensky
