Ukraine’s road to EU and NATO: no military restrictions, no vetoes, vows Coalition of the Willing
Ukraine’s military must face no restrictions (Photo: Getty Images)
The Coalition of the Willing says Ukraine’s armed forces must not face any restrictions under a future peace deal with Russia - and Moscow should have no veto over Kyiv’s path to the EU or NATO, according to a statement posted on the UK government’s website.
The statement said that today, the Coalition of the Willing - with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US Vice President JD Vance, and US President Donald Trump - held a virtual meeting.
The leaders of France, Germany, and the UK welcomed President Trump’s efforts to stop the killing and end the war launched by Russia, as well as to achieve a 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,” the statement read.
The Coalition of the Willing stressed that any diplomatic solution must protect the vital security interests of both Ukraine and Europe.
The leaders also reiterated a set of key demands for resolving the Russia–Ukraine war.
First, meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire, or a prolonged and significant halt to hostilities.
Second, sanctions and broader economic measures targeting Russia’s war economy must be strengthened - especially if Moscow refuses to agree to a ceasefire during the planned talks in Alaska.
Third, the Coalition of the Willing underscored that international borders must never be changed by force.
Finally, on security, they stressed that Ukraine must receive reliable and credible security guarantees to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity effectively.
The coalition emphasized that it is ready to play an active role, including supporting plans by those willing to deploy assistance forces in Ukraine once hostilities cease.
“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,” the statement said.
The Coalition of the Willing also reaffirmed it will continue working closely with President Trump, President Zelenskyy, and the Ukrainian people in pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
What preceded this
On Friday, August 15, US President Donald Trump is set to meet Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska, with the war in Ukraine and ways to end it at the top of the agenda.
The meeting will take place without President Zelenskyy, sparking concern in Europe that Ukraine’s fate - and Europe’s security - could be decided there.
Because of those concerns, European leaders, together with Zelenskyy, held a video conference with President Trump on Wednesday, August 13.
For more on what Zelenskyy revealed about his talks with Trump and European leaders, read RBC-Ukraine’s full report.
