Budanov Says Paris Talks Delivered ‘Concrete Results’ on Ukraine’s Security Guarantees

Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said Wednesday that “concrete results” have been achieved in peace and security negotiations held in Paris on Jan. 6, even as details remain largely confidential.

“Not all information can be public, but concrete results already exist and work continues,” Budanov wrote in a post following talks with Western leaders and envoys.

“Ukrainian national interests will be protected,” he added.

The discussions were part of a summit of the so-called Coalition of the Willing, which brought together more than 30 countries and key figures, including US special envoy Steve Witkoff and European leaders, to advance long-term security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a potential peace framework.

At the meeting in Paris, delegates focused on finalizing a set of “robust” security guarantees that would deter future Russian aggression and provide reassurance to Kyiv. The talks resulted in a joint declaration of intent outlining commitments to equip and train Ukrainian forces and a proposed post-ceasefire multinational force to safeguard peace.

In Paris, Ukraine, France, and the United Kingdom signed a declaration of intent to deploy a multinational force in Ukraine. The document was signed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

For the first time, the United States has offered to back the force in case of an attack – a move European leaders have described as a potential game-changer.

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Volodymyr Zelensky sent an open letter to Vladimir Putin late Wednesday, demanding a direct meeting on neutral ground and security guarantees to end Russia’s war. Putin dismissed and mocked the proposal. In his latest response, Zelensky said Russia does not want to end the war, describing Putin’s response as “weak”.

Macron said that allies had made “considerable progress” in confirming “robust security guarantees for a solid and lasting peace.”

“I think today was a very, very big milestone,” said Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, who also attended the discussions.

“This does not mean that we will make peace, but peace would not be possible without the progress that was made here today,” he added.

Starmer hailed the step at the press conference in Paris, saying that peace was “closer than ever,” though he also cautioned that “the hardest yards are still ahead.”

“We can only get to a peace deal if [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is ready to make compromises,” he said, adding: “Putin is not showing he is ready for peace.”

As the Ukrainian delegation, including Budanov, continues its work in Paris, Zelensky has arrived in Cyprus for high-level meetings as the country begins its presidency of the Council of the European Union, his spokesperson said.