Thirty-five so-called “Coalition of the Willing” countries met online and in person in Paris on Thursday – 26 reportedly have firmed up their contributions to Ukraine’s post-war security guarantees. But which of Ukraine’s European allies have already ruled out putting boots on the ground?
Speaking after the summit, President Volodymy Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 of the countries in attendance agreed to contribute in some form, including with troop deployments – however, they did not name the countries involved.
According to an Italian government press release, Italian President Giorgia Meloni “reaffirmed” Italy’s unwillingness to send soldiers to Ukraine. However, she confirmed Italy’s “openness to supporting a possible ceasefire with monitoring and training initiatives outside of Ukraine’s borders.”
Meloni also reiterated her support for a mutual defense mechanism in the style of NATO’s Article Five as a “key element” of post-war Ukraine’s security guarantees.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb also participated in the meeting. “We are not sending Finns to the war front in Ukraine. Finland will participate in one way or another when the time comes,” he told Finnish media, as per POLITICO.
Stubb said that the exact nature of Finland’s contribution is still to be determined. However, he added that the coalition has “comprehensive plans.”
According to TVN24, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk was the third European leader to reaffirm that his country will not put boots on the ground in Ukraine – despite expressing admiration for the level of “solidarity, determination, and good cooperation” of Ukraine’s European allies.
“Russia is stalling at best and is playing a false game. For now, there’s no real hope that a meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia will take place,” added the Polish Prime Minister.