Coalition of the Willing signals readiness to deploy deterrent forces in Ukraine

Today, coalition leaders met to discuss support for Ukraine and the next steps in peace negotiations. The meeting followed a recent summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

In a statement, the coalition praised Trump's commitment to providing security guarantees to Ukraine. It noted that, among other measures, the Coalition of the Willing will play a key role through its multinational forces stationed in Ukraine.

"They re-emphasised the readiness to deploy a reassurance force once hostilities have ceased, and to help secure Ukraine's skies and seas and regenerate Ukraine's Armed Forces," the statement said.

Coalition leaders also reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine. They praised Zelenskyy's efforts to achieve a fair and lasting peace. Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit Washington tomorrow to discuss details of ending the war.

French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer informed coalition leaders that they will also travel to Washington tomorrow to meet with Trump and Zelenskyy.

Peace agreement

After the Alaska meeting between Trump and Putin, the US leader began advocating for a full peace agreement rather than a temporary ceasefire, as was initially proposed.

Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff explained the shift, saying that negotiations with Russia had achieved "significant progress."

Media reports indicate that Putin is demanding the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbas in exchange for a commitment to halt fighting in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Russia is also reportedly ready to pull troops from the Sumy and Kharkiv regions.

For more on Russia's demands, read the RBC-Ukraine report.

Today, after the coalition meeting, Macron said that, in his view, Putin is proposing Ukraine's capitulation. He also promised a tough discussion with Trump tomorrow in response.