The results of the meeting of the ‘coalition of the willing’ leaders held in Kyiv have become known.
On May 10, the Ukrainian capital hosted an important meeting of leaders of countries that are part of the so-called “coalition of the willing” — an international format aimed at providing Ukraine with real security guarantees. As reported The Office of the President, in the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, hosted the first meeting in the new five-party format of United Europe in Ukraine with the participation of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi, the President of France Emmanuel Macron, the Prime Minister of Great Britain Keir Starmer, the Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz and the Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk.
According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga, during the meeting, the leaders had a joint telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump. The central topic of the negotiations was the formation of an agreed European-American position regarding the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and the organization of further peace negotiations.
The key initiative of the meeting was the proposal to introduce an unconditional 30-day regime of silence throughout Ukraine. The leaders of the European states emphasized that this truce should become the basis for launching a full-fledged peace process. At the same time, in the event of the Kremlin’s refusal to stop hostilities, members of the “coalition of the willing” warned of a possible increase in sanctions pressure on Russia and increased support for Ukraine.
Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz said in Kyiv that Putin should accept the proposed initiative and take advantage of the truce to start a constructive negotiation process. According to him, 30 days of silence should be not only a gesture of de-escalation, but also a preparatory stage for a peace agreement. Mertz emphasized that Russia’s refusal will be seen as a direct signal to the application of tougher sanctions.
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking after the meeting, emphasized that any path to a just and lasting peace begins with an unconditional ceasefire. He warned that the continuation of armed aggression by Russia will only intensify the consolidation of the Western front and cause a new wave of sanctions coordinated with the United States.
The French leader also announced his intention to discuss long-term support for Ukraine at the next round of meetings. According to him, it is about financial obligations for the future, as well as about the formation of a new security architecture: the creation of a Ukrainian army capable of deterring any further threats, and the possible deployment of forces to ensure guarantees. Macron emphasized that in case of violation of the truce, a joint package of tough sanctions is already being prepared, which is coordinated between European capitals and Washington.
At the same time, Keir Starmer expressed doubt that the Kremlin would abide by the terms of the ceasefire without an international presence in Ukraine. In his opinion, it is precisely the lack of deterrent forces in place that gives Putin the space to ignore the agreements.
Although the final decision on the form and mandate of the international presence in Ukraine has not yet been made, European leaders have acknowledged that such discussions are currently ongoing and should become a component of the broader architecture of peace.
Preparations have already begun in Kyiv for the next stage of negotiations, which are expected to take place in the coming weeks with the participation of the “coalition of the willing” countries.
