Leaders from Ukraine and European nations met in France to discuss aid to Kyiv and the proposed deployment of European troops in anticipation of a possible ceasefire agreement with Russia.



The summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, took place in Paris on Thursday.



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leaders from about 30 countries and organizations took part.



As the administration of United States President Donald Trump moves forward with talks with Russia in hopes of ending the fighting early, the participants are believed to have discussed continued support for Ukraine and ways to monitor a ceasefire if an agreement is reached.



They likely discussed the specifics of a plan proposed by France and Britain to send forces to Ukraine after a ceasefire is implemented.



Macron noted at a news conference on Wednesday that the forces would not be deployed on the front lines, but on the second line of defense, as a strategic reserve, to help deter any new Russian aggression. He added that progress has been made on planning proposals.



However, uncertainty remains over whether United States will provide sufficient security assurances, which would be a prerequisite for deploying European troops.



It remains to be seen whether the European countries can reach an agreement on troop deployment despite their diverging views.



Meanwhile, the US announced on Tuesday that it had reached an agreement with Ukraine and Russia to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea.



But Russia has insisted that some sanctions should be lifted before the US-brokered truce in the Black Sea can take effect.