The statement framed the Britain‑France initiative as increasingly dangerous and accused Western politicians of forcing Europeans to "finance these aspirations out of their own pockets." French President Emmanuel Macron said the post‑ceasefire mission "could involve sending thousands of French troops." U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff told the Paris meeting that President Donald Trump "strongly stands behind" security protocols intended to deter another Russian offensive. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stressed that Ukraine must retain a large standing army and develop long‑term domestic military capability, arguing that sustainable security cannot rest solely on foreign forces. Defense markets and contractors typically gain in such environments, while energy and insurance sectors face heightened volatility and risk premia.

Source: The Guardian January 08, 2026 22:14 UTC