Macron vows 'robust' security guarantees for Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged "robust" security guarantees for war-torn Ukraine as part of efforts to secure a peace deal amid ongoing Russian aggression.

Speaking in Kiev alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Macron reaffirmed France's commitment to providing both financial and military aid to Ukraine.

The support, he said, would help lay the groundwork for a "robust and lasting peace."

"Above all, we will continue to work to ensure that Ukraine has robust security guarantees, with a viable army structure" and "equipment that enables it to deter further attacks," Macron said.

"We will continue to work on the peacekeeping forces," he said.

Alongside Macron and Zelensky, the talks in Kiev included German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

After the leaders met, Ukraine and its allies proposed a 30-day ceasefire beginning on Monday - if Russia agrees.

France and Britain are leading a 30-nation group called the "coalition of the willing," which has been meeting to prepare for potential post-ceasefire security support for Ukraine.