BRUSSELS

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday welcomed progress on "practical aspects to secure a just and lasting end to the war in Ukraine," after a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris.

Rutte praised the US for its efforts "to pursue peace and the commitment of allies to contribute to security guarantees," NATO said in a statement.

"While highlighting the valuable support that Allies and partners have been providing to Ukraine, he also urged continued contributions, noting the persistent needs Ukraine faces as it continues to defend against Russian attacks," the statement added.

Co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday, the meeting focused on security guarantees and support for Ukraine and brought together leaders and senior officials from 35 countries, NATO, the EU, and Ukraine.

In Paris, Washington and its European allies agreed to establish a ceasefire monitoring mechanism for Ukraine under US leadership, as part of a broader framework of security guarantees aimed at ensuring a lasting peace.