The “Coalition of the Willing” Meeting Concludes. Here’s What Leaders Are Saying

The event featured leaders from Ukraine, France, Lithuania, Finland, Cyprus, Romania, Germany, the UK, Belgium, and other EU nations, along with NATO officials. Ambassadors from Austria, Australia, and Canada were also present.

The summit focused on peace negotiations and the first steps toward a ceasefire.

Macron: security guarantee structure for Ukraine proposed

French President Emmanuel Macron noted there was no consensus at the Paris summit on deploying a European-led reassurance force to Ukraine, but emphasized that its deployment was not a precondition for advancing the plans.

He stated that there is a broader consensus that any future security guarantees should be based on three pillars:

• A strong Ukrainian army, with a joint Franco-British mission set to visit Kyiv to assess needs and explore ways to support Ukraine’s future military;

• A reassurance force, which would not be stationed along the conflict line but would provide support in “strategic” areas;

• A wider effort to rearm Europe and ensure European interests are represented, including its demands in any peace talks, particularly in light of Russia’s recent actions, such as the deployment of additional forces in Belarus.

Macron stressed that Europe must be ready for any scenario, including one where the US does not back the security initiative. Macron also mentioned that he will speak to Trump again in the coming hours, noting that if Russia rejects the US ceasefire proposal, it will reveal Moscow’s true position.

Starmer: military chiefs to visit Kyiv for support planning

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed plans for French, British, and German army chiefs to visit Kyiv to help plan future support for the Ukrainian army. Starmer added that, should the scenario arise for British troops to be deployed to Ukraine, the matter could be put to a vote in Parliament.

Starmer also criticized Russia for “playing games” and stalling the peace process, stating he expects progress within days or weeks, not months. He stated that there was “complete clarity that now is not the time for lifting of sanctions.”

“Quite the contrary, what we discussed is how we can increase sanctions to support the US initiative, to bring Russia to the table through further pressure from this group of countries,” he said.

UK Prime Minister added that the meeting also covered “military and operational” plans to support any ceasefire and peace in Ukraine, “whether on land, in the air or at sea.”

“What came out was strong from the meeting was so many countries standing, as they’ve stood for over three years now, with Ukraine in this crucial moment for as long as it takes for,” he said.

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

What Security Guarantees Is Ukraine Seeking?

Mar 07, 2025 18:21

Scholz: Russia not interested in genuine peace

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized Moscow for “always adding” conditions to what is discussed, which led him to conclude that Russia “is not currently interested in real peace.” Scholz also warned that removing sanctions from Russia “would be a serious mistake,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining and even tightening them.

“It makes no sense to end the sanctions before the peace has actually been achieved,” he said, adding, “unfortunately, we are still quite far from that.”

Tusk: Europe united on supporting Ukraine and strengthening US ties

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the talks focused not just on Ukraine but on the continent's overall security. He noted “very positive changes” in Europe, with nations united in condemning Russian aggression and committing to support Ukraine as long as necessary.

Tusk also emphasized that participants held an “identical position” on maintaining sanctions on Russia and strengthening ties with the US.

“We are all aware that NATO, Europe, we are safer when that cooperation with the US is at the highest possible level,” he said.

He added that the group would also seek ways to address obstacles in its response, such as Hungary’s opposition to sanctions on Russia.

Next meeting of Ukraine Defense Contact Group

The next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein format) will take place on April 11, chaired by the UK.