US Peace Envoys Unveil Five-Point Plan to Support Ukraine's Security in Paris Talks
In a major development, US President Donald Trump's peace envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have signed onto a five-point plan with European leaders in Paris aimed at enhancing "security guarantees" for Ukraine if it reaches terms to end Russia's nearly four-year invasion.
The joint statement, which includes major NATO allies and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, is vague on some details but marks a significant step forward. The key components of the plan include a US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism that would "address any breaches, attribute responsibility, and determine remedies," as well as critical long-term military assistance to Kyiv.
The agreement also pledges a European-led multinational peacekeeping force, additional military aid, and sanctions in the event of a future armed attack by Russia. Furthermore, the plan outlines mutually beneficial defense cooperation with Ukraine.
However, several key points remain unresolved, including Zelensky's proposal for both Ukrainian and Russian forces to withdraw from frontlines in order to establish a demilitarized zone – an alternative to agreeing to Russian President Vladimir Putin's demand that Ukraine cede the north of Donetsk province.
UK and French leaders have separately offered to dispatch troops to monitor the frontlines if a cease-fire is reached. Witkoff stated that he and Kushner would engage in further talks with Zelensky on Tuesday night and into Wednesday, teasing business pledges to rebuild Ukraine.
The US peace envoys emphasized that the security framework discussed was "meant to A) deter any attacks, any further attacks in Ukraine, and B) if there are any attacks, they're meant to defend, and they will do both. They are as strong as anyone has ever seen… [Trump] does not back down from his commitments."
The meetings in Paris focus on "security guarantees" for Ukraine despite outstanding territorial disputes with Russia. This comes after US President Trump sought to cajole Zelensky and Putin to reach a peace agreement throughout his first year back in power, growing frustrated at times.
In recent talks, Zelensky met with Trump on December 28 at the president's Palm Beach, Fla., residence – with Trump expressing optimism about reaching an agreement.
In a major development, US President Donald Trump's peace envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have signed onto a five-point plan with European leaders in Paris aimed at enhancing "security guarantees" for Ukraine if it reaches terms to end Russia's nearly four-year invasion.
The joint statement, which includes major NATO allies and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, is vague on some details but marks a significant step forward. The key components of the plan include a US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism that would "address any breaches, attribute responsibility, and determine remedies," as well as critical long-term military assistance to Kyiv.
The agreement also pledges a European-led multinational peacekeeping force, additional military aid, and sanctions in the event of a future armed attack by Russia. Furthermore, the plan outlines mutually beneficial defense cooperation with Ukraine.
However, several key points remain unresolved, including Zelensky's proposal for both Ukrainian and Russian forces to withdraw from frontlines in order to establish a demilitarized zone – an alternative to agreeing to Russian President Vladimir Putin's demand that Ukraine cede the north of Donetsk province.
UK and French leaders have separately offered to dispatch troops to monitor the frontlines if a cease-fire is reached. Witkoff stated that he and Kushner would engage in further talks with Zelensky on Tuesday night and into Wednesday, teasing business pledges to rebuild Ukraine.
The US peace envoys emphasized that the security framework discussed was "meant to A) deter any attacks, any further attacks in Ukraine, and B) if there are any attacks, they're meant to defend, and they will do both. They are as strong as anyone has ever seen… [Trump] does not back down from his commitments."
The meetings in Paris focus on "security guarantees" for Ukraine despite outstanding territorial disputes with Russia. This comes after US President Trump sought to cajole Zelensky and Putin to reach a peace agreement throughout his first year back in power, growing frustrated at times.
In recent talks, Zelensky met with Trump on December 28 at the president's Palm Beach, Fla., residence – with Trump expressing optimism about reaching an agreement.