UK Defense Secretary John Healey has announced that allies are prepared to support Ukraine both before and after a potential peace deal, emphasizing continued backing amid ongoing negotiations to end the conflict. This commitment comes ahead of a crucial summit in Paris aimed at securing long-term security for Ukraine.
The statement was made in Kyiv on September 4, 2025, just before a high-level meeting in Paris involving about 30 world leaders. French diplomats have completed technical preparations for providing security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire, with President Emmanuel Macron highlighting that the key issue is Russia’s sincerity in peace efforts. The summit seeks to coordinate international support and address the next steps in the war-torn region.
Healey detailed that allies would help make Ukraine’s skies, seas, and land safe once a peace deal is struck, ensuring deterrence against future aggression. This includes continuing to train and supply Ukraine’s military, as well as potentially deploying European troops, though specific numbers are undisclosed to avoid giving strategic advantages to Russia. The UK has already passed £1 billion in seized Russian assets for military aid, symbolizing a firm stance against Moscow.
Simultaneously, Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking from China, conveyed a defiant message, vowing to continue the full-scale invasion if Ukraine does not agree to Russia’s maximalist demands. These include ending alleged discrimination against ethnic Russians, a pretext used for the 2022 invasion. Putin mocked the idea of meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, suggesting he come to Moscow instead, which Ukraine’s foreign minister dismissed as unacceptable.
The United States plays a pivotal role in these discussions, with NATO chief Mark Rutte emphasizing the need for an American ‘safety net’ to backstop any agreement. US special envoy Steve Witkoff is in Paris for the talks, and President Donald Trump is scheduled to engage with leaders afterward. Trump has expressed commitment to a peace deal but has also shown frustration with Putin, threatening further economic measures if Russia refuses to cooperate.
Discussions on troop deployments remain contentious; the US has ruled out sending soldiers to Ukraine, and Germany considers it too early for such commitments. Healey praised Trump for bringing Putin to the negotiation table but stressed that additional economic pressure from the Coalition of the Willing nations is essential to compel Russia towards peace. The focus is on leveraging all tools to support Ukraine’s resilience.
Despite diplomatic efforts, Russia has intensified its aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities, with a recent missile strike in Kyiv killing 22 people, including children. This escalation underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis and deepens skepticism among Ukrainians about the prospects for peace. Survivors express anger and despair, questioning the sincerity of talks with Putin amid continued violence.
The Paris summit aims to present a united international front, with outcomes dependent on US confirmation and Russia’s willingness to cease hostilities. The path forward involves balancing immediate aid with long-term security plans, but uncertainty persists as aggression continues. The international community remains watchful, hoping for a breakthrough that could end the devastating conflict.