Defence ministers from the “Coalition of the Willing,” excluding the United States, will convene at NATO to discuss providing support for Ukraine’s defence in the event of a peace deal with Russia. The meeting is aimed at setting up a reassurance force for Ukraine to act as a deterrent against potential Russian aggression. French and UK military officials recently met with Ukrainian leaders to discuss planning, emphasizing the need to support Ukraine in both the current conflict and in future efforts to prevent Russian aggression.
The proposed reassurance force could be deployed in strategic locations in Ukraine, according to French President Macron, but not all countries in the coalition have agreed to participate. Poland and Greece have cited threats from Belarus and Turkey as their reasons for not providing troops, while Italy has expressed reservations about US participation. However, most countries agree that US support, including air protection and intelligence sharing, is crucial for the success of the coalition’s efforts.
Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have been in touch with US President Donald Trump to update him on discussions and seek American involvement. However, the US has thus far declined to join the coalition or participate in the Ramstein group, which it used to chair under the previous administration. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is not expected to attend the Ramstein group’s upcoming meeting, which will include representatives from around 50 countries.
The meeting at NATO represents a continued effort by the coalition to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities and deter future aggression from Russia. By bringing together military officials and leaders from various countries, the coalition hopes to coordinate support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing tensions. The focus is on ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, while also seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict with Russia.
The discussions at the meeting are expected to address potential contributions from member countries, including logistical support, intelligence sharing, and other capabilities to bolster Ukraine’s defences. The coalition recognizes the importance of collective action and coordination in responding to security threats in the region. By working together to support Ukraine, the coalition aims to send a strong message to Russia about the consequences of further aggression.
Ultimately, the coalition is committed to standing by Ukraine and providing the necessary support to help the country defend itself. The meeting at NATO represents a crucial opportunity for member countries to reaffirm their solidarity and commitment to Ukraine, as well as to coordinate their efforts in response to the ongoing crisis. By working together, the coalition hopes to strengthen Ukraine’s position and deter further aggression from Russia, while also working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
