France Demands Robust Security Guarantees for Ukraine Before Territorial Talks

France Prioritizes Security Amidst Peace Efforts

On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, France reiterated its firm position that Ukraine must receive 'robust security guarantees' before any negotiations regarding territorial concessions to Moscow can commence. This statement, delivered by an adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron, underscores a critical point of contention in ongoing international efforts to broker a peace deal for the nearly four-year-old conflict. The declaration follows recent high-level discussions in Berlin, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US envoys and European leaders to advance peace initiatives.

Components of 'Robust Security Guarantees'

The concept of 'robust security guarantees' for Ukraine has been a central theme in recent diplomatic exchanges. European leaders have outlined a comprehensive plan that includes several key provisions:

• Sustained Military Support: Commitments to maintain Ukraine's armed forces at a peacetime level of up to 800,000 troops to deter aggression and defend its territory.
• Multinational Force: The establishment of a European-led 'multinational force Ukraine,' drawing contributions from a 'Coalition of the Willing' with support from the United States. This force could potentially operate inside Ukraine to secure its airspace and maritime routes.
• Ceasefire Monitoring: A US-led mechanism for monitoring and verifying any ceasefire, with international participation to provide early warnings of attacks and respond to breaches.
• Legally Binding Commitments: Legally binding pledges to restore peace and security in the event of a future armed attack, potentially involving military force, intelligence, and diplomatic actions.
• Economic Support and Reparations: Funding for reconstruction, mutually beneficial trade agreements, and ensuring Russia compensates Ukraine for damages, with Russian sovereign assets in the European Union remaining frozen.

President Macron previously indicated that 26 nations have finalized their commitments to deploy troops as a 'reassurance force' for Ukraine once the conflict concludes, contributing capabilities 'on land, in the sea or in the air.' The precise role of the United States in these guarantees is still being clarified.

The Sticking Point: Territorial Concessions

The French stance emphasizes that security guarantees must precede any discussions on territorial adjustments. The Elysee, the French presidency, has previously dismissed claims of a peace agreement involving the concession of Ukrainian territory, asserting there would be 'no transfer of Ukrainian territory' nor the creation of a demilitarized zone. This position aligns with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's consistent refusal to cede territory to Russia, although he has expressed openness to dropping NATO aspirations.

The issue of territory remains a significant hurdle. While European leaders stress that decisions on territory are 'for the people of Ukraine' once security guarantees are firmly in place, some suggestions, notably from US President Donald Trump, have indicated that territorial surrender might be 'inevitable' for Ukraine – an outcome President Zelenskyy has deemed unacceptable. An initial US peace plan for Ukraine was perceived by some as overly favorable to Russia, prompting Kyiv and its European allies to work on revisions.

International Efforts for a Lasting Peace

The ongoing diplomatic efforts, including the recent talks in Berlin, aim to establish a common foundation for a solid and lasting peace. European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have welcomed progress in these discussions involving Ukrainian, American, and European teams. The focus remains on ensuring Ukraine's security, sovereignty, and prosperity as integral to wider Euro-Atlantic security. The complexity of balancing security demands with territorial integrity and the varying perspectives of international actors continues to shape the path toward a potential resolution to the conflict.