NATO defense ministers are convening at NATO headquarters in Brussels to discuss potential security guarantees for Ukraine. The meeting follows recent talks among political leaders and chiefs of staff regarding support for Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed deploying "guarantee forces" in strategic areas of Ukraine after a peace agreement is reached. This initiative envisions limited participation from states, with logistical and intelligence support from the United States. However, Italy, Poland, and Germany have expressed reservations about military deployment.
Some allies question the proposal's feasibility without Russia's approval, while Macron insists Moscow should not dictate the support group's decisions. Spain has attended preliminary meetings but believes discussions on troop deployment are premature without a ceasefire.
A second meeting, the Ramstein format, is scheduled for April 11 at NATO headquarters. Germany and the United Kingdom convened this international forum, established by the United States in 2022, to coordinate military aid to Ukraine. The leadership of the group has shifted to London due to changes in U.S. foreign policy.
NATO allies have pledged €20 billion in military and security support to Ukraine for 2025, according to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. This commitment was announced prior to the meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels.
The Ramstein format, comprising over 50 countries, has been the primary channel for coordinating arms and military assistance to Ukrainian forces since the Russian invasion in February 2022.