Europe Rallies Behind Volodymyr Zelenskyy as France, Germany and UK Prepare to Lead Multinational Force in Ukraine

European leaders, including those from France, Germany and the United Kingdom, have said they are ready to take a leading role in deploying a multinational force in Ukraine as part of a US-backed proposal aimed at securing a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. The initiative is being discussed as part of a broader package of long-term security guarantees designed to prevent renewed conflict.
In a joint position outlined by leaders from the UK, France, Germany and several other European countries, the proposal would involve a “coalition of the willing” contributing troops and resources to support Ukraine after a ceasefire. The force would focus on helping regenerate Ukraine’s armed forces, strengthening air defence capabilities, and supporting maritime security to ensure safer seas. While the United States would provide political backing and coordination, it would not deploy combat troops on the ground.
The security package under discussion would allow Ukraine to maintain a large, well-equipped standing army and would include mechanisms for monitoring and verifying any ceasefire. European countries involved in the talks have also signalled readiness to make legally binding commitments to respond if Ukraine were attacked again in the future. Support for Ukraine’s path toward membership of the European Union is also part of the broader framework.
Germany’s leadership has described the proposal as a significant step forward, saying it represents the most serious attempt so far to combine military deterrence with diplomatic progress. France has echoed this view, stressing that any peace agreement must include strong guarantees to ensure stability across Europe. The UK has also underlined that without credible security commitments, any deal would risk collapsing under renewed pressure from Moscow.
Despite progress on security arrangements, major disagreements remain, particularly over the future status of Ukrainian territories currently occupied by Russian forces. Ukrainian leaders have welcomed advances on security guarantees but have made clear that territorial questions remain highly sensitive and unresolved. European officials have acknowledged these differences, noting that further negotiations will be required to bridge remaining gaps.
Countries such as Italy, Spain, Poland, the Netherlands and several Nordic and eastern European states are also understood to be involved in discussions around the multinational force and long-term guarantees. European leaders have warned that the outcome of these talks will have lasting implications not only for Ukraine but for the wider security architecture of Europe.
While negotiations continue, officials from France, Germany and the UK have stressed that the goal is to create conditions for a sustainable peace, not a temporary pause in fighting. Talks are expected to continue in the coming weeks as the US, Ukraine and European partners seek agreement on unresolved political and territorial issues.