Coalition of the Willing: European Leaders Convene to Secure Guarantees for Ukraine

The Coalition of the Willing commenced its meeting in Paris today, both in person and online, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron. The main focus of this gathering is to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement with Russia. President Macron welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and stated that after considerable effort from military planners, Europe is finally prepared to offer these guarantees, aiming to instill confidence in Ukraine regarding any peace arrangement with Russia. The discussions are expected to start around 9 AM BST (10 AM CEST), followed by a phone call with US President Donald Trump at 1 PM BST (2 PM CEST). While President Trump did not commit to specific actions, he expressed an interest in facilitating a meeting between President Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, indicating that significant developments might be on the horizon, but nothing is finalized yet. As the day develops, key updates will be provided to share the outcomes of this critical summit. On another significant front, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte addressed the participants at the IISS Prague Defence Summit. Rutte emphasized the urgency for Europe to enhance its military capabilities as a countermeasure against the building threats posed by Russia and China. He warned against underestimating the confrontational nature of Russia, reiterating that it will remain a destabilizing force for the foreseeable future. Rutte highlighted the necessity for the Alliance to accelerate defense production, particularly in terms of ammunition, and acknowledged the ongoing efforts to narrow the production gap with Russia. "Despite previous enhancements in budgetary allocations for defense, mere financial investment is insufficient. We require enhanced capabilities, robust firepower, and innovative technologies delivered expeditiously by our defense industries," he stated. The session in Paris aims to offer a united front and a strategic roadmap to ensure Ukraine's sovereignty and military readiness against external threats. The implications of today's discussions could profoundly impact the region's security landscape, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2