Fri Sep 05 13:43:10 UTC 2025: **Headline: Europe Pledges Troops for Post-War Ukraine, Russia Warns of “Legitimate Targets”**

**Paris, France** – In a significant move to ensure long-term security in Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 countries have committed to deploying a “reassurance force” or providing other military assistance to the nation after the war with Russia concludes. The pledge came following a meeting of the “coalition of the willing” in Paris, a group originally proposed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aimed at establishing lasting peace in Ukraine.

The coalition, which includes primarily European nations along with Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Canada, aims to prevent future conflict. Troops will not be sent to the front lines, according to Macron. While he didn’t name the specific countries, some nations like Germany, Spain, and Italy are considering alternative forms of support such as financial aid and training.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy lauded the progress, stating the coalition is working actively on “real security guarantees” that extend to the present. The specific roles of participating countries, including land, air, sea, and cyber contributions, are being finalized.

Russia has vehemently rejected the notion of foreign troops in Ukraine, with President Vladimir Putin declaring any Western forces on Ukrainian soil “legitimate targets” for the Russian military. The Kremlin maintains that such intervention is unacceptable and undermines security.

The announcement comes amidst ongoing efforts to broker a lasting peace agreement. While a series of ceasefires and agreements have been attempted, they have largely failed. The United States, under President Trump, has taken a hard line against Russia, increasing tariffs and pressuring European allies to reduce their reliance on Russian oil, accusing them of “funding the war.” It is speculated Trump rebuked the nations still buying oil from Russia during his recent meeting with European leaders. The EU aims for a complete phase-out of Russian energy imports by 2027.

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