A meeting of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ took place in Paris, with participation from over 30 countries ready to provide security guarantees for Ukraine after the end of hostilities. During the meeting, preliminary agreements were reached on further strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, and specific steps planned by coalition participants were discussed.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Countries ready for security missions in Ukraine
According to diplomatic sources, ten out of the 21 countries that expressed readiness to work on security guarantees for Ukraine agreed to send their military contingents to Ukrainian territory after the end of hostilities. Among these countries are the United Kingdom, France, the Nordic and Baltic states, the Netherlands, and Australia. The United Kingdom and France currently lead the ‘Coalition of the Willing’.
Germany is currently considering its participation in the mission and, according to information from diplomatic circles, is awaiting approval from its parliament. The country’s leadership is uncertain about what the final decision will be. Poland also does not plan to send troops to Ukraine at this time but may become a logistical hub for Western deterrent forces.
Distribution of roles and next steps
The format of security guarantees from the United States has not yet been finalized, but it is preliminarily expected to include support from intelligence services and the provision of air cover for the mission. Turkey is expected to play a key role in maritime defense for Ukraine, while the United Kingdom and France will ensure security on land. A multinational contingent will be responsible for air security.
Approximately, the European mission in Ukraine could consist of 25,000 to 30,000 troops, although these figures are still subject to clarification. At the same time, it has not been definitively determined what specific role the Western forces will perform: a training mission with deployment in major cities of central and western Ukraine is being considered.
Diplomats also emphasize that the question of European military actions in the event of provocations from Russia remains open. The mechanism for their response to potential use of force has not yet been defined.
“I was positively surprised by the advanced nature of military planning and the commitments regarding troops that the United Kingdom and France have received for support forces, air patrols, and maritime demining missions. There are specific estimates of the number of troops they already have, but everyone says it depends on the peace agreement, the role of the United States, and, in many cases, parliamentary approvals,” noted one of the interlocutors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his address, stated that participants at the Paris meeting discussed in detail the contribution of each state to guaranteeing Ukraine’s security on land, at sea, in the air, and in cyberspace. Positions regarding the components of security guarantees were coordinated, and the necessity of strengthening support for Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia was emphasized. Zelensky also informed about the preparation of the 19th package of European Union sanctions and Japan’s sanction initiatives.
The president’s press service reported that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed the United States’ readiness to provide support to Ukraine. Separately, President Zelensky also thanked President Trump for efforts towards ending the war and expressed gratitude for the U.S. readiness to assist Ukraine.
It is worth noting that the leaders’ meeting of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ took place on September 4 in Paris. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky personally attended, and the format of the coalition involves cooperation among over 30 countries that are ready to provide security guarantees to Ukraine after the current Russian aggression ends.