Paris, 27 March 2025 (dpa/MIA) - A summit in support of Ukraine will take place in Paris on Thursday, with security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire between Kiev and Moscow topping the agenda.

Senior representatives from 31 countries are expected to attend the meeting of the loose grouping known as the "coalition of the willing," the French presidential office said.

The meeting, which gets under way at 10 am (0900 GMT) aims to finalize a multi-layered framework of military guarantees and aid for Ukraine, developed under the leadership of France and Britain.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be in attendance.

According to sources in Paris, the summit will also address additional emergency military aid for Ukraine and the diplomatic path toward a ceasefire.

Discussions will include long-term strategies to strengthen Ukraine's military and defence capabilities, ensuring the country can withstand any future Russian aggression should the current fighting cease.

The gathering is also expected to revisit the possibility of deploying European forces to Ukraine. These troops would serve as a stabilizing presence to bolster a ceasefire rather than engage in combat operations, the French presidency said.

Ultimately, the United States would serve as the main security guarantor, though Washington has yet to make a formal commitment.

MIA file photo