Coalition of the Willing: path to peace cannot be decided without Ukraine

The leaders of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ have set out their position on the pathway to a ceasefire in Ukraine in a statement released after their virtual meeting on Wednesday.

French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz yesterday co-chaired a virtual meeting of leaders of member states and international organisations of the Coalition of the Willing, including the European Union, with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US Vice-President JD Vance, ahead of President Donald Trump’s meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.

Leaders welcomed President Trump’s efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russia’s war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace. 

They were clear that the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. It was necessary to continue an approach that combined active diplomacy, support to Ukraine and pressure on Russia, a statement said, adding that a diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests.

They also reiterated that:

“First, meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or a lasting and significant cessation of hostilities.

“Second, sanctions and wider economic measures to put pressure on Russia’s war economy should be strengthened if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire in Alaska.

“Third, international borders must not be changed by force.

“Fourth, Ukraine must have robust and credible security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

The statement added: “The Coalition of the Willing is ready to play an active role, including through plans by those willing to deploy a reassurance force once hostilities have ceased. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia could not have a veto against Ukraine‘s pathway to EU and NATO.”

In a separate statement, President of the European Council Antonio Costa said President Trump had shared three very important objectives with European leaders during a working meeting yesterday: “First of all, a ceasefire. Secondly, the principle that only Ukraine can negotiate matters concerning Ukraine, and lastly, the United States’ willingness to work together with Europe to strengthen the security situation once we achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.”

Find out more

Full statement from the Coalition of the Willing

President Costa statement