Countries unite to establish Ukraine stabilization force headquarters in Paris

In a significant development for Ukraine, a coalition of nations committed to providing troops for a future stabilization force agreed to establish a headquarters in Paris. This decision was made during a meeting that took place on the sidelines of the fourth annual conference on Ukraine's recovery in Rome. A U.S. delegation attended the meeting for the first time, signifying a noteworthy shift in involvement from the United States regarding post-war matters. Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, along with Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, represented the U.S. at this crucial discussion. The coalition members, which remained largely anonymous, shared plans for the Multinational Force Ukraine. Initially, this force is set to operate out of Paris for the first year, then transition its headquarters to London, while establishing a coordination cell in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. The aim of this stabilization force encompasses providing logistical support and training to help rebuild Ukraine's armed forces, as well as enhancing security over its airspace and the Black Sea region. This multi-national initiative aims to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities following the anticipated conclusion of hostilities in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Significant political figures, including French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, participated via videoconference, indicating the high level of international concern and commitment to Ukraine’s future. During the discussions, Starmer emphasized the necessity of a “reassurance force” to guarantee security across Europe. Consequently, the coalition aims to create a credible deterrent against future aggression from Russia, ensuring stability in the region for years to come. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the support shown by U.S. officials, indicating the importance of international solidarity and backing from Western leaders. He acknowledged the involvement from the Trump administration and reiterated the need for a growing coalition that supports Ukraine’s military and diplomatic efforts. While the specifics of troop commitments were not defined during the meeting, the coalition leaders articulated a unified front aimed at securing peace and restoring Ukraine's sovereignty through effective deterrence strategies.