The Coalition of the Willing continues to strengthen its position. Following the meeting in Paris, the participants agreed to hold the next summit directly on the territory of Ukraine. Additionally, it was announced that the coalition's membership has expanded: Moldova and North Macedonia have joined.
This was reported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his statement, as reported by RBC-Ukraine. The head of state emphasized that the recent meeting was important and productive for the further development of cooperation.
Expansion of Membership and New Goals
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the coalition format is not just being maintained but is actively developing. According to him, it is precisely the close interaction between European countries, the US, and other states advocating for peace that brings the end of the war closer.
"Within the framework of the coalition, we are moving towards a moment when we can state that peace is getting closer," the Ukrainian leader stated.
According to the President, the accession of Moldova and North Macedonia has increased the number of participants in the Coalition of the Willing to 40 countries. This testifies to the growing international support for Ukraine.
Situation Assessment and Future Plans
During the negotiations, the participants highly appreciated the actions of the Ukrainian military. Zelenskyy conveyed the words of his colleagues that the current operations of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) have created a special situation, and the pressure on Russia is quite fair and significant. However, according to the summit participants, it is necessary to continue and intensify this pressure.
"There should be more cooperation in Europe," the President added.
An important outcome of the negotiations was the decision on the venue for the next session. The parties agreed that the next meeting of the Coalition of the Willing will take place in Ukraine. This decision underscores the partners' trust and readiness to continue the dialogue on the territory of the country fighting for its independence.
Military Aid and New Initiatives
Recall that on July 13, in Paris, within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing meeting, an anti-ballistic coalition was created. Ukraine became one of the founders of this new alliance. It included ten European states that pledged to jointly develop an anti-missile defense system.
Furthermore, French President Emmanuel Macron made a number of important announcements regarding military aid. Paris intends to transfer Rafale fighter jets to Ukraine, the first of which are expected to enter service in 2028–2029.
France will also provide licenses for the production of Aster-30 surface-to-air missiles, SCALP cruise missiles, and AASM Hammer air bombs. Additional radars and missiles will be supplied to strengthen Ukraine's air defense.
