Zelensky to Join Coalition of the Willing Meeting in Paris

President Volodymyr Zelensky is believed to attend the Coalition of the Willing, taking place on July 13 in Paris, France as allies aim to strengthen support for Kyiv and increase pressure on Russia.

Sources at the Élysée Palace told Ukrinform that at least 25 heads of state and government are expected to attend alongside Zelensky.

The French presidential administration said the gathering will take place amid what it described as “growing transatlantic convergence and unity, as well as a more favorable dynamic for Ukraine on the battlefield.”

Possible expansion and new defense initiatives expected

The coalition, which currently includes 35 countries, is expected to further expand on Monday, with Moldova and North Macedonia set to join. According to Ukrinform’s sources, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is also expected to take part.

French President Emmanuel Macron said he plans to announce new defense initiatives and joint military exercises at the meeting, with the decision framed as Europe taking greater responsibility for its own security as the possibility of Russia attacking NATO increases.

Zelensky pushes for progress on peace talks

Zelensky said Ukraine expects favorable responses from both the G7 and the Coalition of the Willing as part of an active diplomatic push in the coming weeks, framing the summer season as a critical window for advancing security guarantees and moving the peace process forward.

“We have a busy international schedule ahead,” Zelensky said, thanking everyone who is helping defend Ukraine.

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With a salary of over $2,000, Putin’s hometown also promises no frontline deployments to Ukraine in its search for troops to bolster local air defense.

Origin and goals

Launched by the UK and France, the Coalition of the Willing was formed to provide financial and military support to Ukraine, while offering security guarantees once a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia is reached.

Key components include participation in a US-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism, alongside continued long-term support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).

According to the European Commission’s declaration, Ukraine’s ability to defend itself remains central – to both its own security and that of the broader Euro-Atlantic region, saying that any peace agreement must be paired with binding guarantees rather than vague assurances.

In January, France, the UK, and Ukraine signed a declaration of intent to deploy a multinational force in Ukraine, marking the first time the US has committed to backing that force if attacked. The agreement, signed by Macron, UK’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and Zelensky, sets up British and French “military hubs” across Ukraine to support troop deployment and postwar reconstruction.