Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris offers robust security guarantees for solid and lasting peace in Ukraine

“A strong display of unity for Ukraine,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the meeting of leaders of the Coalition of the Willing, convened in Paris yesterday.

The Coalition confirmed its readiness to commit to a system of politically and legally binding guarantees that will be activated once a ceasefire enters into force, in addition to bilateral security agreements.

Von der Leyen joined the meeting together with European Council President António Costa and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, alongside EU Member States, NATO allies and friends of Ukraine.  

“Our joint statement sends a clear message,” von der Leyen posted on X. “We collectively stand by Ukraine and a safe, secure, prosperous future lies ahead.”

The guarantees will include the following components:

1. Participation in a proposed US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism. There will be a continuous, reliable ceasefire monitoring system, including contributions from members of the Coalition of the Willing. A Special Commission will be established to address any breaches, attribute responsibility, and determine remedies.
2. Support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Coalition agreed to continue critical long term military assistance and armament to the Armed Forces of Ukraine to ensure their sustained capability, as they will remain the first line of defence and deterrence. This will include but not be limited to: long term defence packages; support for financing the purchase of weapons; continued cooperation with Ukraine on its national budget to finance the armed forces; access to defence depots which can deliver rapid additional support in the case of a future armed attack; provision of practical and technical support to Ukraine in building defensive fortifications.
3. A Multinational Force for Ukraine made up from contributions from willing nations as part of the Coalition, to support the rebuilding of Ukraine’s armed forces and support deterrence. Coordinated military planning has been conducted to prepare for reassurance measures in the air, at sea and on land and for the regeneration of the armed forces of Ukraine. These elements will be European-led, with the involvement also of non-European members of the Coalition, and the proposed support of the US.
4. Binding commitments to support Ukraine in the case of a future armed attack by Russia in order to restore peace. These commitments may include the use of military capabilities, intelligence and logistical support, diplomatic initiatives, adoption of additional sanctions.
5. Commitment to deepen long-term defence cooperation with Ukraine. This includes, inter alia: training, defence industrial joint production, including with the use of relevant European instruments, and intelligence cooperation.

European Council President António Costa said on X that the meeting in Paris had been “productive and important”.

He added that the EU would contribute to the efforts to ensure the security guarantees that Ukraine needs for any agreement for a long-lasting peace. This includes supporting Ukraine’s advance on its EU accession path, helping to cover Ukraine’s financial needs for the next two years through the €90 billion loan agreed by the EU last December, and assistance through the EU’s civilian and military missions on the ground.

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Ursula von der Leyen post on X 

António Costa post on X