Europe and US Establish Multinational Force for Ukraine
European allies, with the unprecedented participation of a U.S. delegation, have agreed to establish a post-ceasefire stabilization force for Ukraine, named the Multinational Force Ukraine (MFU). This decision was announced during the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2025) in Rome on July 10-11, 2025. The MFU, composed of approximately 30 undisclosed member nations, aims to provide logistical and training support to rebuild Ukraine's armed forces and secure its airspace and the Black Sea. The force's headquarters will be in Paris for the first year, then rotating to London, with a coordinating cell based in Kyiv.
U.S. Involvement and Troop Commitment
The U.S. delegation, a notable development, included Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal. Significantly, Senators Blumenthal and Graham explicitly stated that no U.S. ground troops will be part of the MFU. This highlights a potential shift in U.S. engagement in Ukraine, focusing on providing logistical and training expertise rather than direct military deployment.
New Bipartisan U.S. Sanctions Against Russia
Senators Graham and Blumenthal also briefed European allies and Ukrainian officials on a new bipartisan U.S. sanctions bill targeting Russia. This bill proposes a staggering 500% tariff on goods imported from countries that continue to purchase Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other exports. China and India are specifically targeted by this measure, aiming to increase pressure on Moscow to cease hostilities. However, President Trump's insistence on full authority over the sanction waiver process could create a point of contention with Congress.
European Investment in Ukraine's Recovery
The URC2025, alongside the MFU announcement, saw the European Commission launch the European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, the largest equity fund to date dedicated to supporting the country's recovery. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni announced pledges exceeding €10 billion ($11.73 billion) from conference participants to aid Ukraine's reconstruction.
Ongoing Russian Attacks and Ukraine's Needs
The discussions on the MFU and the pledges for recovery took place against the backdrop of continued Russian aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported a massive overnight attack by Russia involving 18 missiles and around 400 drones, primarily targeting Kyiv, during the conference.
Key Players and Stakeholders
The formation of the MFU and the broader support for Ukraine's recovery involve numerous key players. These include Ukraine itself, actively seeking security and EU accession; European allies like Italy, France, and the UK, actively involved in shaping and supporting the MFU; the United States, signaling a potential shift in its engagement; Russia, whose actions necessitate these stabilization and recovery efforts; international organizations like the World Bank, European Commission, and United Nations involved in recovery cost estimation and investment facilitation; and the private sector, encouraged to invest in Ukraine's reconstruction.
Statements from Key Figures
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the "reassurance force's" importance in securing Europe and deterring future Russian aggression. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni hailed Washington's participation as "fundamental" for Western unity and deterrence. President Zelenskyy thanked U.S. officials for their support, highlighting the significance of the events. The World Bank Group, European Commission, and United Nations estimate Ukraine's recovery cost at $524 billion over the next decade.
Challenges and Uncertainties
Despite the positive announcements, challenges remain. The long-term U.S. commitment to the MFU, the absence of specific troop commitments, the focus on a post-ceasefire scenario while hostilities continue, and the potential impact of the proposed tariffs all present uncertainties. The success of the MFU is seen as largely dependent on sustained U.S. support, particularly airpower.
