The West is discussing a shift from political statements to legally binding protection mechanisms in the event of a new Russian attack. In parallel, Kyiv and its partners are shaping a long-term economic recovery plan that is directly linked to security guarantees. Meanwhile, Moscow is responding with attacks on foreign businesses and attempts to discredit Ukraine—moves that are only strengthening Western sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
Binding Security Guarantees for Ukraine
Ukraine’s allies agree that future security guarantees must be not merely declarative, but politically and legally binding. This is stated in a draft declaration of the “Coalition of the Willing,” prepared for a summit in Paris on January 6 with the participation of more than 30 leaders and senior officials.
The document provides for support for Ukraine in the event of a new armed attack by Russia, including military capabilities, intelligence, logistics, diplomatic measures, and additional sanctions. Discussions have intensified amid preparations for a possible ceasefire, although Moscow has publicly shown no readiness to accept such terms.
The meeting focuses on moving from general promises to the legal formalization of assistance mechanisms for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky is taking part in the summit, emphasizing the need for guarantees comparable to NATO’s collective defense principles.
“These negotiations must provide Ukraine with more protection and strength. We count on our partners’ support and on steps that guarantee real security for our people,” he said.
The draft also mentions long-term military assistance and an international ceasefire monitoring mechanism led by the United States.
A Plan for Ukraine’s Economic Prosperity
Ukraine, together with its partners, is beginning practical work on financing sources for the “Ukraine Prosperity Plan”—a ten-year program for postwar recovery and growth.
According to the participants to First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, consultations will continue in European capitals in the coming weeks with representatives of the EU, NATO, G7 countries, and the United States. The plan includes rebuilding infrastructure, energy, and industry, as well as developing human capital. Total needs are estimated at $800 billion.
Funding is expected to come from a combination of grants, concessional loans, and private investment, using guarantees and risk-sharing mechanisms. Svyrydenko stressed that reforms within the framework of European integration should become the foundation of an economic breakthrough.
“Ukraine’s accession to the EU is the cornerstone of our economic development,” she emphasized.
At the same time, the government notes that economic recovery is impossible without reliable security guarantees.
Paris Agreements May Be Signed in Washington, Says Tusk
The signing of the so-called Paris Agreements could take place in Washington in the coming days. This was said by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk ahead of the January 6 meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing” leaders in Paris. According to him, 20 points of the peace plan and documents on U.S. and European participation in Ukraine’s reconstruction are currently being coordinated. However, final decisions should not be expected in Paris.
Tusk stressed that current diplomatic efforts “offer slightly more than a chance, but certainly not a guarantee” of peace. The Paris declaration, he said, will be a political signal of shared willingness to cooperate, but without immediate financial or logistical commitments.
“Concrete decisions require goodwill from the aggressor. So far, there have been no signals from Russia,” he noted.
The main goal of the meeting remains strengthening European – American pressure.
Sybiha: “Russia Is Deliberately Striking American Business in Ukraine”
The strike on a sunflower oil production plant in Dnipro owned by the American company Bunge was a targeted Russian attack, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said noting that the facility had been attacked repeatedly. “This attack was not a mistake—it was deliberate,” the minister emphasized. He also recalled earlier strikes on Boeing offices in Kyiv and other American companies.
According to Sybiha, about half of the members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine have been affected by Russian attacks to varying degrees.
“Putin’s attacks on American business and U.S. interests in Ukraine demonstrate his complete disregard for peace efforts under the leadership of President Donald Trump,” he said.
The foreign minister underscored the need to strengthen air defense and sanctions pressure.
“Moscow’s refusal to reciprocate Ukraine’s constructive steps must have a price,” Sybiha added.
Trump Threatens India with Tariffs over Purchases of Russian Oil
The United States may sharply increase tariffs on India due to its purchases of Russian oil, President Donald Trump said while commenting on trade relations with New Delhi. “Modi is a good guy… we can raise tariffs on their goods very quickly,” Trump said.
According to him, India is aware of Washington’s dissatisfaction with its energy policy. Senator Lindsey Graham, for his part, said that sanctions and tariffs have already helped reduce Russian oil exports.
“If you buy cheap Russian oil, you are supporting Putin’s war machine,” he stressed.
Graham supports tariffs of up to 500% for countries that continue such purchases, noting that these measures are the reason India is now buying “significantly less Russian oil.”
Photo: REUTERS / Sarah Meyssonnier
Author: Danylo Pievchev