Conference failed to deliver on promised outcomes

In a significant development, 26 Western countries have agreed to provide troops for securing a ceasefire or peace between Russia and Ukraine. The announcement was made by French President Emmanuel Macron and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following meetings in Paris. However, challenges remain as Germany, the largest economy in Europe, remains hesitant about troop deployment and Moscow continues to show no signs of ending the invasion.

The focus of the meeting, dubbed the "Coalition of the Willing," was on military aspects. The countries agreed to deploy ground troops, air forces, or naval forces for this purpose. Apart from the deployment of foreign troops, Ukraine could also conclude bilateral agreements with its allies.

The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has emphasised the importance of a strong Ukrainian army as a central element of future security guarantees. This sentiment is shared by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has prioritised funding, arming, and training of Ukrainian forces instead of troop deployment.

The deployment of troops is not without controversy. US President Donald Trump appears hesitant about the deployment of foreign troops to secure a ceasefire or peace between Russia and Ukraine. Trump has maintained his role as a mediator and does not want to damage relations with Russia. Trump is reportedly aware that a meeting between Putin and Zelensky in the near future is illusory.

Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, has reaffirmed his position that NATO troops are a legitimate target. Putin has invited Zelensky to Moscow for talks and promised "100 percent security guarantees." However, Russia will not accept NATO troops in Ukraine.

Another challenge lies in the preparation and prerequisite for a peacekeeping force. There is no clear idea for a peacekeeping force without preparation and a prerequisite that the guns fall silent. Moreover, there is no proposal from Europe on how to prepare a peacekeeping force or achieve a ceasefire.

Turkey has offered to secure the safety of shipping in the Black Sea. After a peace agreement, Putin stated that the presence of NATO troops would be pointless. The USA could take over the surveillance of a not further defined demilitarized zone with drones and satellites.

A possible meeting between Zelensky and Putin has been haunting Ukraine's demands for months. Trump has been reportedly aware of this, and Western diplomats have admitted that meetings of heads of state (who don't even recognise each other) don't happen without preparation.

As the situation remains complex and uncertain, it is clear that finding a peaceful solution between Russia and Ukraine will require continued diplomatic efforts and cooperation among the international community.