Five European nations, namely France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom, have collectively stressed the necessity for robust security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement with Russia. This call comes as Ukraine has been embroiled in a conflict due to Russia's aggression over the past four years. During their meeting in Krakow, Poland, the defense ministers and their assistants issued a joint statement underscoring that any enduring peace agreement must ensure Ukraine's sovereignty and security in the long term, firmly linking such assurances to any potential resolution.

The statement emphasizes the importance of a well-equipped and strong Ukrainian armed force as the primary security assurance necessary for Ukraine to live in peace. It clearly indicates that the European nations regard the defense of Ukraine not just as a regional issue but as fundamental to the security of Europe as a whole. The involvement of Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov in the meeting via video further emphasizes the critical engagement and collaboration among European nations and Ukraine in addressing security concerns.

French Defense Minister Catherine Colonna reiterated the notion that the security of the European continent is contingent upon establishing a lasting peace based on the respect of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. She asserted that any ceasefire or peace agreement must not pave the way for further aggression, thereby underlining the fragile stability in the wake of ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia. The implications of these demands reflect a unified European stance on providing persistent support to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict, thereby setting a firm framework for future negotiations.