Leaders of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” gathered in Paris on Thursday—either in person or via video conference—to finalize security guarantees for Ukraine in the post-war period. The meetings have sparked heightened tensions with Moscow, while the United States continues to observe and explore ways to facilitate a resolution.
French President Emmanuel Macron opened the summit at the Élysée Palace, stating that the leaders were meeting to “finalize strong security guarantees for Ukraine based on work done in recent weeks,” before asking journalists to leave the room.
Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and France’s President Emmanuel Macron speak during the Coalition of the Willing Summit at Elysee presidential palace in Paris, France, September 4, 2025. European leaders and Zelenskiy meet in a new effort to pile pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin after he vowed Russia will fight on in Ukraine if no peace deal is reached. Ludovic Marin/Pool via REUTERS
Earlier, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized that “it is not up to Russia to decide whether Western troops can operate in Ukraine. Ukraine is a sovereign nation, and any security forces supporting a peace agreement are its decision alone.”
Moscow’s Response
Russia quickly reacted. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned that any “foreign intervention” in Ukraine is unacceptable, calling the proposed security guarantees a “risk to Europe” rather than safeguards for Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as he arrives for a summit of the “Coalition of the Willing”, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, September 4, 2025. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
Britain and France, co-chairing the coalition, have taken the lead in planning Ukraine’s support, a role that has drawn sharp criticism from Moscow. British Defense Secretary John Healy revealed that military aid to Ukraine, worth roughly £1 billion, was partially funded through frozen Russian assets.
Russia’s Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev responded on Telegram, warning that since frozen funds cannot be recovered through courts, Moscow may seek compensation “in kind,” potentially claiming Ukrainian land or other property. He further suggested that any perceived illegal seizure of Russian assets could lead to confiscation of British holdings in Russia.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arrive to chair the Coalition of the Willing Summit at Elysee presidential palace in Paris, France, September 4, 2025. Ludovic Marin/Pool via REUTERS
U.S. Engagement
U.S. President Donald Trump is closely monitoring the Paris meetings and is maintaining pressure to secure a peace agreement. Trump plans telephone discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and has engaged his special envoy, Steve Whitkof, for coordination. Despite previous unsuccessful talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump remains committed to seeking a resolution.
Putin stated that he is willing to meet Zelenskiy in Moscow, but such a meeting must be carefully prepared to produce tangible results. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister rejected Moscow as a potential meeting location.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy departs the Elysee Palace, on the day of a summit of the “Coalition of the Willing”, in Paris, France, September 4, 2025. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
Trump told CBS News that while he is frustrated by the ongoing conflict, he remains focused on achieving a peace agreement. “The next two weeks will be crucial,” he said, highlighting the delicate timing for international diplomacy.
Global Context
Trump also commented on recent events in China marking the end of World War II, where Putin appeared alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump noted his attention to these developments, stating, “The next one or two weeks will show how strong these relationships are.”
While Trump expressed disappointment with Putin, the Kremlin clarified that no conspiracy against the United States occurred, noting that Trump’s remarks were made sarcastically. Putin added that countries engaged in talks with Russia during the China meetings supported the Alaska summit and hope it can contribute to ending the Ukraine war.
