Paris will once again be at the center of global diplomacy this week as the “Coalition of the Willing”—a group of nations providing political, military, and financial support to Ukraine—convenes on Thursday, September 4 at the Élysée Palace. The French presidency confirmed the meeting on Monday (Sept. 1), adding that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will take part.
Focus on security guarantees and Russia’s refusal for peace
The gathering, to be held both in person and via video conference for leaders unable to travel to France, will focus on two main issues:
- security guarantees for Ukraine, which have been under discussion in recent weeks,
- and Russia’s persistent refusal to agree to a peace settlement, according to the Élysée’s statement.
Around thirty countries, mostly European, are expected to participate, in what is seen as a crucial round of coordination ahead of a difficult winter for Kyiv.
Zelensky’s Paris meetings
European diplomatic sources indicated that Zelensky will also hold bilateral meetings with several European leaders on Thursday. The talks come at a time when U.S. efforts to bring the war to an end appear to have stalled.
Ukraine accuses Moscow of stalling negotiations and pretending to seek peace while in reality preparing new offensives. Currently, Russian forces control roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory and are pushing forward along key fronts in the east and south.
Background on the “Coalition of the Willing”
Formed in early 2024, the Coalition serves as an informal coordination mechanism for nations committed to supporting Ukraine. Its goals are to strengthen Kyiv’s defenses, counter Russian advances, and increase diplomatic pressure on Moscow.
Thursday’s summit is seen as pivotal in determining whether member states are prepared to deepen their commitments to Ukraine or whether domestic political pressures in several European capitals will keep the outcome limited to symbolic declarations.
