Coalition of the Willing demonstrates unity in Paris to secure Ukraine’s future

On 4 September the Elysée Palace in Paris hosted a critical meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing,” a group of 35 nations dedicated to ensuring long-term security for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.

Co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the summit brought together representatives from 39 countries, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to solidify security guarantees for Kyiv post-war. Ten leaders attended in person, including the presidents of Ukraine, Finland, and the European Council, as well as prime ministers of Poland, the UK, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain, while 28 joined virtually, showcasing broad international support.

The meeting focused on establishing a framework for security guarantees, vital for Kyiv to enforce any future peace agreement with Russia. President Zelenskyy emphasised the necessity of parliamentary ratification in all participating countries to formalize these commitments, noting that 35 nations have expressed readiness to provide such guarantees. He hinted at the potential presence of European troops in Ukraine, though specifics on contributing nations and the extent of their involvement remain under discussion.

Macron highlighted the United States’ critical role, noting that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff attended the summit, signalling Washington’s engagement. Following the meeting, Macron, Zelenskyy, and other European leaders held a call with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss America’s contribution to Ukraine’s security.

In the telephone call Trump reportedly stressed that Europe must stop buying Russian oil, which finances the war, as Russia received 1.1 billion euros from EU fuel sales in a year. The U.S. President also stressed that European leaders should put economic pressure on China to discourage it from funding Russia’s military actions.

Macron stated, “In the coming days, we will finalize U.S. support for these security guarantees,” underscoring the U.S.’s consistent involvement. However, Trump’s demands for a swift resolution to the conflict have yet to yield progress, as Russian President Vladimir Putin remains resistant to ceasefire or peace talks.

Security guarantees for Ukraine cannot be provided by foreign military contingents and much work needs to be done before a high or top-level meeting between Moscow and Kyiv on settling the conflict in Ukraine, the Kremlin repeated while the Paris meeting was taking place.

Macron also revealed plans for a series of diplomatic engagements: a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, followed by a trilateral discussion including Trump, and potentially a quadrilateral summit involving European leaders. However, Putin’s insistence on hosting any meeting in Moscow has been rejected by Zelenskyy, complicating negotiations.

The coalition’s agenda extended beyond military commitments. Macron noted that 26 countries have pledged to deploy troops or provide financial support to secure Ukraine’s land, sea, and air defences. Specific roles are emerging: Turkey is poised to lead maritime security, while Britain and France will focus on land-based operations. A multinational contingent is planned to secure Ukrainian airspace, with potential U.S. involvement in intelligence and air cover. Poland, while ruling out troop deployment, is ready to serve as a logistics hub.

Germany’s stance, articulated by a government spokesman, is more cautious. Berlin is prepared to increase funding and training for Ukrainian forces but awaits clarity on U.S. involvement, Russian participation in talks, and parliamentary approval. Germany has proposed boosting air defence deliveries by 20% annually, supplying cruise missiles, equipping mechanized brigades, and fostering joint weapons production with Ukraine – contingent on U.S. participation and a favorable negotiation outcome.

Bulgaria, represented online by Prime Minister Rossen Zhelyazkov, reaffirmed its decision not to send troops but to contribute through mine-clearing operations in the Black Sea. European Council President António Costa, visiting Sofia that evening, emphasised the EU’s role in providing financial support for Ukraine’s military and defence industry, with EU membership as a long-term goal for Kyiv. Before arriving in Sofia, Costa made a stop in Romania to meet President Nicușor Dan earlier that day.

The coalition also addressed broader geopolitical pressures. Macron highlighted Trump’s call for Europe to halt Russian oil purchases, specifically pointing to Hungary and Slovakia as the only EU nations still buying Russian oil. “It is very good that the American administration is talking about the need to stop this practice,” Macron said, noting the contradiction in these countries’ alignment with U.S. policy. Additionally, new sanctions on Russia were discussed as a response to any deviation from peace talks, signaling a unified stance against Moscow’s aggression.

Despite months of meetings since the coalition’s formation in March 2025 under Starmer’s initiative, tangible outcomes have been slow, earning it the moniker “Coalition of the Waiting.”

The elephant in the room at the Coalition of the Willing’s Paris summit was Vladimir Putin, whose persistent refusal to engage in compromise continues to obstruct prospects for peace in Ukraine. Following the Paris meeting, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk assessed that the chances “for a quick meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin are small.” Meanwhile, Trump said on Wednesday he plans to hold talks about the war in Ukraine in the coming days.

In the meantime, The Washington Post, citing six people familiar with the matter, broke the news that the U.S. plans to end long-standing military aid to Russia’s European neighbors as Trump’s administration pushes for the continent to play a greater role in its own defence. Reportedly the cuts would affect hundreds of millions of dollars in aid aimed at bolstering Europe’s defences against Russia.

With Reuters, European Pravda, FT, The Washington Post, edited by g.g.

Caption: France’s President Emmanuel Macron (R) and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) arrive to chair the Coalition of the Willing Summit at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris, France, 4 September 2025. European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Paris on 4 September in a renewed effort to pressure Russia’s President Vladimir Putin after he vowed that Russia will continue fighting in Ukraine if no peace deal is reached. EPA/LUDOVIC MARIN / POOL