> At a Glance
> – 35 world leaders gather in Paris to shape Ukraine’s post-war security
> – U.S. sends Trump envoys after Rubio cancels over Venezuela operation
> – Trump’s Greenland takeover talk strains NATO unity before talks
> – Why it matters: Europe needs U.S. military backing for any Ukraine guarantee, but Trump’s shifting focus raises doubts
Ukraine’s future security hangs in the balance as 35 heads of state meet in Paris-while Washington’s attention drifts to Venezuela and Greenland.
The Paris Summit
French President Emmanuel Macron hosts the largest-ever “coalition of the willing” session, with 27 heads of state attending in person. The group aims to lock in concrete commitments to deter future Russian attacks once the guns fall silent.
Macron promised “concrete commitments” in his Dec. 31 address, listing five priorities:
- Monitor any ceasefire
- Keep Ukraine’s army strong
- Deploy multinational land, sea, and air units
- Punish fresh Russian aggression
- Deepen long-term defense ties
U.S. Delegation Downgrade
Secretary of State Marco Rubio scrapped his trip after Trump ordered military action in Venezuela. Instead, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will represent Washington.
Witkoff had tweeted on New Year’s Eve that talks were “productive,” citing progress on “security guarantees and deconfliction mechanisms.”
Greenland Spat Overshadows Talks
Trump revived his push to seize Greenland on Sunday, calling it vital for U.S. and EU security. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic leader Jens Frederiksen warned the move would kill NATO.
European leaders backed Denmark, yet they still rely on American forces to back any Ukraine shield-creating an awkward balancing act in Paris.
Zelenskyy: Not Everyone Ready
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy admitted Sunday that key details remain unfinalized and “not everyone is ready” to send troops. Parliamentary approval will be required in many countries.
He insisted that British and French deployments-both nations wield nuclear weapons-would be “essential” to give the coalition credibility.
> “If they are not ready at all, then it is not really a ‘coalition of the willing.'”
Zelenskyy said alternatives to boots on the ground could include:
- Advanced weapons
- Intelligence sharing
- Technology transfers
Key Takeaways
- 35 countries meet in Paris to finalize Ukraine’s post-war security structure
- U.S. representation downgraded after Rubio pivots to Venezuela crisis
- Trump’s Greenland comments test NATO unity ahead of crucial talks
- Zelenskyy warns coalition risks collapse without firm troop pledges
Whether the summit can deliver binding guarantees now depends on bridging Europe’s reliance on U.S. power with Washington’s shifting global focus.
