More than 26 countries have pledged to form a "reassurance force" in Ukraine following a potential peace agreement with Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday. This initiative aims to deter future Russian aggression against Ukraine. The reassurance force is a central element of the security guarantees that a coalition of primarily European nations seeks to provide to Ukraine if the ongoing conflict concludes with a peace deal or ceasefire.

Concerns are rising, however, regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's apparent disinterest in pursuing peace talks. This unease has intensified following his recent visit to Beijing. European leaders, including Macron and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, held a video conference with U.S. President Donald Trump after a summit in Paris, which was part of Macron's effort to demonstrate European independence in foreign policy.

During the summit, Macron stated, "We have today 26 countries who have formally committed... to deploy as a 'reassurance force' troops in Ukraine, or be present on the ground, in the sea, or in the air." Zelenskyy expressed optimism about the commitment, calling it a significant step forward. Macron clarified that the force's purpose is not to wage war on Russia but to ensure peace and prevent further aggression. He emphasized that the troops would not be stationed on the front lines.

A senior aide to Zelenskyy claimed that Putin is intent on prolonging the conflict and has shown no genuine interest in peace negotiations. The aide highlighted the need for a "regeneration" of the Ukrainian military to deter future attacks from Russia. Macron noted that the United States has expressed a clear willingness to support security guarantees for Ukraine.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who participated in the summit, stressed the importance of increasing pressure on Putin to achieve a cessation of hostilities. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed this sentiment but remained cautious about Germany's military involvement, stating that decisions would be made when the conditions are appropriate.

The coalition of nations supporting Ukraine includes around 30 countries, primarily from Europe, along with Canada, Australia, and Japan. Frustration is mounting in the West over Putin's reluctance to negotiate a resolution to the conflict. Zelenskyy remarked that he has not observed any indications from Russia that they wish to end the war.

In a recent incident, a Russian rocket attack in northern Ukraine resulted in the deaths of two members of the Danish Refugee Council who were clearing mines in an area previously occupied by Russian forces. The attack occurred near Chernigiv, approximately 125 kilometers north of Kyiv.

Macron warned that if Russia continues to reject peace negotiations, "additional sanctions" would be coordinated with the United States. Prior to the Paris talks, a Russian foreign ministry spokesperson stated that Moscow would not accept the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine. In response, NATO chief Mark Rutte emphasized the need to avoid empowering Putin, stating, "I think we really have to stop making Putin too powerful."

The discussions followed Putin's recent trips to China and the United States, where he met with Trump in Alaska. During his visit to Beijing, Putin praised the progress of Russian forces in Ukraine, claiming they were advancing on "all fronts."