A crucial meeting of the “volunteer coalition” supporting Ukraine commenced on Thursday morning at the Elysée Palace, focusing on securing future commitments from the United States regarding Ukraine’s security. The gathering,involving approximately thirty countries – predominantly european – includes participation from Steve Witkoff,special envoy for Donald Trump. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived Wednesday evening for a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The aim of the meeting, as stated by President Macron, is to “Allowing robust security guarantees for Ukraine.” Macron is co-leading the Coalition alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Around 35 leaders, both physically present at the elysée and participating via video conference, are scheduled to engage in a phone call with US representatives at 2 p.m. European nations intend to emphasize their willingness to provide security guarantees, signaling their expectation of corresponding concrete actions from the United States. Macron and Zelensky are slated to hold a joint press conference at 3 p.m.
The coalition is prepared to bolster the Ukrainian army, with some nations – including France, the UK, and belgium – considering deploying troops to Ukraine following a ceasefire, to deter further Russian aggression. Though, some allies, notably Germany, are hesitant, awaiting a ample contribution from the United States before making any firm commitments.
The outcome of this meeting will likely shape the trajectory of international support for Ukraine in the coming months.
Details sourced from the Elysée Palace press releases.
