Allies Forge Ahead on Ukraine Peace Plan Despite Ongoing Conflict and U.S. Hesitation

Brussels – A coalition of Ukraine's allies convened on Thursday to discuss strategies for securing peace with Russia, even as fighting persists and a formal ceasefire remains elusive. Led by British Defence Secretary John Healey and his French counterpart Sébastien Lecornu, the summit at NATO headquarters aimed to define potential contributions to a future peace agreement, amidst significant uncertainty.

Key Points:

• Coalition of the Willing: Approximately 30 countries, excluding the U.S., are exploring ways to support Ukraine and deter future Russian aggression following any peace deal or ceasefire.
• U.S. Absence: The reluctance of the United States to commit to a military mission in Ukraine poses a significant challenge, as many nations rely on American logistical, air defense, and intelligence support.
• Objectives: The coalition has outlined four primary objectives: securing Ukrainian skies and seas, establishing peace on land, and bolstering the strength of the Ukrainian military.
• No Peace to Keep: EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, emphasized the fundamental obstacle: "At the moment there is no peace to keep," highlighting the need for a ceasefire before any deployment can occur.
• Trump's Pressure: While U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed for a peace agreement, Russia's ongoing offensive and continued targeting of Ukrainian assets complicate the situation. Intelligence suggests President Vladimir Putin believes he can achieve a military victory, strengthening his negotiation position.
• Next Steps: Military planning will continue, with countries detailing their potential contributions in writing. A report is expected by the end of next week, although deployment remains contingent on a ceasefire.

Healey clarified that any reassurance mission would not act as a traditional peacekeeping force separating warring parties. Instead, the focus is on strengthening Ukrainian forces to solidify any ceasefire agreement.

Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen stressed the necessity of U.S. involvement in securing peace in Ukraine. The coalition is actively working to keep the United States engaged in the process.

The Ukraine Defense Contact Group is set to meet at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Friday, where new support for Kyiv is expected to be announced.