The President of Ukraine expressed gratitude for the contributions of his global counterparts following a “Coalition of the Willing” summit in Paris. This gathering saw more than 30 nations participate, either in person or remotely, to discuss pledges of security for Ukraine. Steve Witkoff, designated by President Donald Trump as an envoy for the peace negotiations, was among those present.
After the meeting, which was jointly led by French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who joined digitally, Zelensky affirmed that over 30 countries, “all united by the same goal,” had convened to “contribute to ensuring security on land, at sea, in the air, and in cyberspace.” This collaborative endeavor is progressing with the aim of establishing a “reliable” and enduring peace for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.
U.S. President Donald Trump participated in the discussions via call and subsequently received “special thanks” from Zelensky.
In an online update, Zelensky stated, “I would like to extend particular appreciation to President Trump for his concerted efforts to conclude this war and for America’s willingness to provide support to Ukraine from its side.”
It is understood that Trump stressed to the Coalition that the E.U. should cease its purchases of Russian oil, citing concerns that these transactions are funding the conflict.
This follows Trump’s declaration on Wednesday that he remains committed to pursuing a peace accord between Russia and Ukraine. He has been quoted as telling CBS News, “Something is going to happen, but they are not ready yet. But something is going to happen. We are going to get it done.”
Speaking to local media after the assembly, both Zelensky and Macron accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of impeding the negotiation process. Macron also confirmed Trump’s endorsement of the proposed security measures and indicated that the U.S. would join the coalition in taking measures against Russia if it failed to facilitate a direct meeting between Zelensky and Putin.
Macron warned, “Should Moscow decline to adhere to these terms, we will be compelled to pursue further actions with the U.S.” He added, “The crucial point here is that there are no limitations on the defense of Ukraine.”
Furthermore, Macron announced that 26 leaders have pledged to deploy troops to Ukraine to serve as a “reassurance force” once the hostilities with Russia cease.
In a statement provided to TIME following the meeting, a Downing Street spokesperson conveyed that Starmer had emphasized the group’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine, supported by President Trump, and that further steps were now necessary to pressure Putin into securing a cessation of hostilities.
The Prime Minister also welcomed announcements from partners in the Coalition of the Willing regarding the supply of long-range missiles to Ukraine, which will further augment the country’s military provisions.
Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin stated that these security provisions were essential to “underpin any cease-fire or peace agreement.” He explained that the guarantees would “manifest in various ways, from an ‘assurance force’ that certain other nations are prepared to join, to intensified training for the Ukrainian Defense Forces.”
“Leaders also considered today the significance of U.S. involvement in the pursuit of peace in Ukraine,” Martin added, advocating for sanctions against Russia to intensify pressure on Moscow.
Trump has been advocating for a potential meeting between Putin and Zelensky, but Moscow has rejected the concept, asserting that discussions between the two leaders can be conducted through designated representatives.
Putin did agree to meet with Trump for a summit in Alaska in August, marking their initial in-person encounter since 2019. The gathering was intended to facilitate discussions regarding a potential cease-fire, but it concluded prematurely without any agreement being reached. Critics contended that the meeting yielded more advantages for Putin than for the U.S. President.
Trump subsequently hosted Zelensky and prominent European leaders at the White House for a debriefing. Trump later affirmed that the U.S. would not dispatch American troops to Ukraine as part of any peace settlement with Russia, but might instead offer aerial assistance, “because there’s nobody that has the kind of stuff we have.”
Since the Alaska summit, Russia has maintained its intensive shelling of Ukraine, launching numerous missile and drone attacks across the nation. One of the gravest incidents occurred overnight in Kyiv on August 28, resulting in at least 19 fatalities and considerable damage to the offices of the European Commission mission and the British Council.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, joined many world leaders in denouncing these assaults.
She asserted, “Russia must immediately cease its indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure and engage in negotiations for a just and enduring peace.”
Days afterward, von der Leyen’s aircraft experienced an incident, attributed to alleged Russian interference, while attempting to land in Bulgaria. The flight landed without harm, with an informed source telling TIME that the pilots resorted to using paper maps.
NATO chief Mark Rutte declared that the supposed Russian interference is being addressed “very seriously,” and NATO is “working tirelessly to counteract this, to prevent it.”
