EU agrees security guarantees for Ukraine peace settlement

EU leaders at a ‘Coalition of the Willing’ summit in Paris declared their readiness to commit to politically and legally binding guarantees for Ukraine which would be activated once a ceasefire enters into force. At the same time, the leaders made binding commitments to support Ukraine in the case of a future armed attack by Russia. At the summit, European leaders stressed that they remain commited to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, to be in line with the United Nations Charter principles. They also welcomed progress achieved in discussions between the Americans, the Ukrainians, European and other partners. They made clear they saw Ukraine’s ability to defend itself as critically important for ensuring the future of Ukraine’s and Euro-Atlantic collective security.

In a statement, the leaders confirmed that “ensuring the sovereignty and lasting security of Ukraine shall be an integral part of a peace agreement, and that any settlement will have to be backed up by robust security guarantees for Ukraine.”

Binding guarantees to be activated once a ceasefire enters into force include:  Participation in a proposed US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism. There will be a continuous, reliable ceasefire monitoring system, including contributions from members of the Coalition of the Willing. The Coalition of the Willing will also be represented in the Special Commission that will be established to address any breaches, attribute responsibility, and determine remedies.

Support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine : The Coalition agreed to continue critical long term military assistance and armament to the Armed Forces of Ukraine to ensure their sustained capability, as they will remain the first line of defence and deterrence. This will include but not be limited to : long term defence packages ; support for financing the purchase of weapons ; continued cooperation with Ukraine on its national budget to finance the armed forces ; access to defence depots which can deliver rapid additional support in the case of a future armed attack ; provision of practical and technical support to Ukraine in building defensive fortifications.

A Multinational Force for Ukraine made up from contributions from willing nations within the framework of the Coalition, to support the rebuilding of Ukraine’s armed forces and support deterrence. Coordinated military planning has been conducted to prepare for reassurance measures in the air, at sea and on land and for the regeneration of the armed forces of Ukraine. We confirmed that these reassurance measures should be strictly implemented at Ukraine’s request once a credible cessation of hostilities has taken place. These elements will be European-led, with the involvement also of non-European members of the Coalition, and the proposed support of the US.

Binding commitments to support Ukraine in the case of a future armed attack by Russia in order to restore peace. We agreed to finalise binding commitments setting out our approach to support Ukraine and to restore peace and security in the case of a future armed attack by Russia. These commitments may include the use of military capabilities, intelligence and logistical support, diplomatic initiatives, adoption of additional sanctions. Commitment to deepen long-term defence cooperation with Ukraine. We agreed we would continue to develop and deepen mutually beneficial defence cooperation with Ukraine, inter alia : training, defence industrial joint production, including with the use of European relevant instruments, and intelligence cooperation.

Source: EUbusiness