26 Nations Pledge Postwar Security Guarantees for Ukraine

In a significant move aimed at shaping Europe’s postwar security landscape, 26 countries have pledged to offer security guarantees to Ukraine once the ongoing war with Russia ends. Announced by French President Emmanuel Macron at a summit in Paris on September 4, 2025, the pledge includes potential deployments on land, sea, and in the air, marking a major step in international efforts to deter future Russian aggression.

Details of the Security Pledge

• The group of 26 unnamed countries, part of the so-called “coalition of the willing”, is working to finalize a framework for Ukraine’s protection that would activate immediately after the conflict ends. Macron clarified that while some countries may deploy forces inside Ukraine, others will support from outside by training, equipping, or funding Ukrainian troops.
• While Macron initially hinted at broad deployment, he later emphasized flexibility, allowing countries to choose their roles without necessarily sending personnel into Ukraine.

Military and Non-Military Commitments

• France and the UK have indicated they may send troops postwar.
• Germany and Italy are more cautious: Germany awaits clarity on the US role, while Italy offered to train Ukrainian troops but not deploy its own.
• Bulgaria ruled out ground deployment but committed to Black Sea maritime operations, particularly de-mining.
• Bulgaria also proposed forming a regional naval security pact with Romania and Turkey.

Strategic Importance of Security Guarantees

The proposed guarantees aim to,

• Deter renewed Russian aggression after a ceasefire or peace agreement
• Assure Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence
• Lay the groundwork for future NATO or EU integration
• Provide Ukraine with a long-term security umbrella, even if full NATO membership remains elusive

European leaders emphasized that even if peace remains distant, preparing for postwar scenarios is essential to avoid past mistakes—where the lack of clear deterrents emboldened Moscow.

Key facts for exam

• Main Announcement: 26 nations will offer postwar security guarantees
• Nature of Support: Land, sea, air, training, equipment, sanctions coordination
• Ukraine President: Zelenskiy
• Russia President: Vladimir Putin