In an inspiring display of global cooperation, leaders from 35 countries convened in Paris this week for what NATO Chief Mark Rutte called a "very successful" meeting focused on building a brighter, more secure future for Ukraine.

The gathering of the Coalition of the Willing produced tangible results that offer genuine hope for lasting peace. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a groundbreaking "declaration of intent" that establishes a clear framework for maintaining peace in Ukraine once a ceasefire is achieved.

"These security guarantees are the key to ensuring that a peace agreement can never mean a Ukrainian surrender or a new threat to Ukraine," President Macron emphasized, highlighting the coalition's commitment to breaking historical cycles of conflict.

The agreement outlines an ambitious and comprehensive security architecture. Following any ceasefire, the UK and France will establish military hubs throughout Ukraine and build protected facilities to support the nation's defensive capabilities. This represents not just a promise, but a detailed operational plan with legal frameworks already in place.

Perhaps most encouraging is the broad international support demonstrated at Tuesday's meeting. Representatives from 35 nations came together with a unified vision: ensuring that peace, once achieved, becomes permanent and sustainable. The coalition agreed to implement a "continuous, reliable ceasefire monitoring system" led by the United States and supported by partner nations, providing multiple layers of oversight and accountability.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about the progress made, noting that "a lot of progress" had been achieved in Paris. "We think we're largely finished with security protocols, which are important, so that the people of Ukraine know that when this ends, it ends forever," he said, offering reassurance to millions hoping for stability.

NATO Chief Mark Rutte shared this confidence, stating, "I'm absolutely convinced that, if this gets into place, that Putin will never, ever try again to attack Ukraine." His conviction reflects the strength and comprehensiveness of the security arrangements being developed.

The coalition members also committed to providing Ukraine with "critical long-term military assistance and armaments" and pledged to supply "all the necessary resources" to maintain a robust defensive force. This long-term thinking demonstrates that the international community is invested not just in ending the current conflict, but in preventing future ones.

The multinational force envisioned by the agreement would guarantee Ukraine's security across all domains—air, sea, and land—creating multiple deterrents against aggression and providing Ukrainian citizens with genuine confidence in their nation's sovereignty.

While challenges remain and negotiations continue, Tuesday's meeting represents a significant milestone. It demonstrates that the international community can unite behind concrete, actionable plans for peace. The detailed frameworks, broad participation, and specific commitments show that world leaders are moving beyond rhetoric toward real solutions.

This coalition's work offers hope not just for Ukraine, but for all nations seeking security and stability. It proves that multilateral cooperation, when focused and determined, can create pathways to lasting peace.