Coalition of the Willing reaffirms unity and pledges security guarantees for Ukraine
Photo: Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski (facebook.com/JankaOchojska)
Western countries have reaffirmed their unity and their readiness to increase pressure on Russia. They also pledged to provide security guarantees for Ukraine and support its sovereignty ahead of talks in Washington.
RBC-Ukraine reports on what partners discussed at the Coalition of the Willing meeting.
Around 7:00 PM Kyiv time today, Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski announced that the Coalition of the Willing had concluded. He emphasized that for peace to prevail, pressure must be applied to the aggressor, not the victim of aggression.
President of the European Council António Costa highlighted that transatlantic unity is crucial at this moment for securing lasting peace in Ukraine. He stressed that if a ceasefire agreement is not reached, the EU and the United States must increase pressure on Russia, and Ukraine's sovereign right to set its own peace terms must be respected.
Costa also said the coalition welcomed the United States' willingness to provide security guarantees for Ukraine. These measures are aimed at deterring future Russian aggression and ensuring a fair and lasting peace. He noted that Europe is ready to contribute as well.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb participated in the meeting of heads of state and government of the Coalition of the Willing in support of Ukraine. He noted a strong consensus among coalition countries on the need to continue supporting Ukraine. He added that Europe and the United States are reinforcing their joint position and that shared efforts with Ukraine, European partners, and the United States will continue in Washington the next day.
Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala said the coalition's videoconference was an important step for coordination ahead of tomorrow's meeting at the White House. He explained that the immediate priority is stopping the killings and that clear security guarantees for Ukraine from the United States and Europe will be essential for further negotiations.
Zelenskyy to meet Trump
Earlier today, August 17, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Brussels for the Coalition of the Willing meeting. It had been planned that he would travel to the United States with European leaders after the session.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz revealed that Zelenskyy and European leaders would discuss key issues with Trump. Although a joint meeting of Trump, Zelenskyy, and European leaders was initially planned, it became known that Trump wants a one-on-one meeting with Zelenskyy first.
Their joint session with European leaders is now scheduled afterward. Bild reported on how Trump will host Zelenskyy and his partners.
