The Heads of State and Government of the 35 member countries of the Coalition of the Willing - including Luxembourg represented by Luc Frieden (CSV) - met in Paris on 6 January to discuss the terms of a ceasefire in Ukraine and support for the EU in its efforts to bring about peace in Ukraine and support for Kiev's armed forces. The meeting was chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. These countries agreed on the security guarantees that the coalition countries plan to provide with American support after a hypothetical end to hostilities. According to Macron, an end to hostilities does not mean a Ukrainian surrender, nor does it give Russia a blank cheque to continue threatening Ukraine. "This agreement in no way prejudges the conclusion of an eventual peace agreement. But it is a step in the right direction," says Luc Frieden. "Without such guarantees, the peace order established in 2022 would remain vulnerable to further Russian aggression. Ukraine is only willing to sign such an agreement if it receives security guarantees to prevent Russia from repeating its aggression."

Ukraine as Europe's first line of defence

For Luc Frieden, "this broad alliance which, in addition to France, the United Kingdom and the United States, includes the countries of the European Union and Canada, aims to dissuade Russia by showing that a strong and united response from Europeans and their allies is guaranteed." A positive development that was not a given was the participation of the United States, which was confirmed by the American representatives. Representatives who took part in the event via videoconference. They said they were prepared to monitor compliance with any peace agreement. In order not to offend American sensitivities, the issue of Venezuela was not raised, according to the Prime Minister.

The strategy decided in Paris is based on two pillars: firstly, strengthening and modernising the Ukrainian army so that it can act as "the first barrier against Russia". In other words, a return to the military strategy of the marches.

The second pillar: the establishment by the coalition of the willing of a multinational force. "A force whose purpose is not to take part in the fighting, but to provide security and monitor the application of the peace agreements."

Space, logistics and training

Luxembourg's contribution? "Luxembourg will participate in the areas where it has the most expertise," says the Prime Minister, for whom there is no question of deploying troops. "Luxembourg's contribution will be via our areas of expertise, satellite communications and satellite imagery, logistics with the use of our troop and equipment transport capabilities, in particular via the A400M aircraft and by contributing to the training and education of the Ukrainian army in various sectors."