On January 6, 2026, a meeting of the leaders of the “Coalition of the Willing” supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia took place in Paris. The event was attended by EU and NATO leaders, heads of 27 countries, as well as representatives from Turkey, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. In addition, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner joined the talks.
During the summit, participants discussed achieving a lasting peace in Ukraine, strengthening the country’s defense capabilities, and ensuring collective Euro-Atlantic security. Special attention was given to mechanisms for multinational forces that could support a ceasefire and guarantee the safety of Ukrainian airspace and maritime borders.
Declaration and Security Guarantees for Ukraine
Following the meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a Declaration of Intent regarding the deployment of multinational forces in the event of a peace agreement.
The document establishes a legal framework for the presence of British, French, and partner troops on Ukrainian territory and ensures the defensive readiness of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Prime Minister Starmer stated that once a ceasefire is established, military hubs and protective facilities for storing weapons will be set up, and multinational forces will become a key factor in deterring a potential Russian offensive.
President Zelenskyy noted the high level of the negotiations and emphasized that the coalition documents represent “not just words but concrete actions.” He also reported that discussions with the U.S. team on mechanisms for monitoring the peace agreement were successful, and documents on Ukraine’s security guarantees are ready for signing.
The EU confirmed its readiness to support Ukraine politically, financially, and militarily, including preparation for the country’s accession to the European Union as a key element of security.
At the same time, Keir Starmer warned against excessive optimism, stressing that Russia has not yet shown readiness to end the war:
“We are closer to this goal than ever. But the hardest yards are still ahead.”
Conclusion
The “Coalition of the Willing” meeting in Paris marked an important step in strengthening Ukraine’s security and coordinating international support. Leaders confirmed their readiness to provide political, military, and legally grounded security guarantees, while the signed Declaration of Intent establishes a legal basis for deploying multinational forces if peace is achieved.
The event demonstrates the solidarity of Europe, the U.S., and partners in supporting Ukraine and underscores the seriousness of international efforts to ensure sustainable defense and prevent further aggression.
At the same time, leaders emphasized that achieving peace depends on Russia’s real actions, and important diplomatic and practical steps still lie ahead.
