Coalition of the Willing to Meet Monday to Discuss Ukraine Support

The Coalition of the Willing, a group of over 30 countries supporting Ukraine, will hold a hybrid meeting on Monday, August 24. The meeting is organized jointly by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will participate in the session, which coincides with the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence. While some sources state the meeting is organized by Paris, Berlin, and London, the Kyiv Independent reports the event will take place in Kyiv with several leaders attending in person, including European Council President Antonio Costa, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Luxembourgish Prime Minister Luc Frieden. NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska is expected to participate remotely.

The agenda includes reiterating determination to strengthen support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and continuing work on security guarantees for a post ceasefire period. Center right sources specify that the coalition aims to increase pressure on Russia by coordinating efforts to reduce its war resources, specifically targeting the so called ghost fleet of ships used for hydrocarbon exports. The Kyiv Independent adds that the group is preparing for military drills in autumn to ready a reassurance force for deployment once a ceasefire is achieved.

Framing of the event varies by political lean. Center and center left reports focus on the diplomatic coordination and the hybrid nature of the meeting. Center right reports emphasize the strategic goal of cutting off Russian financial resources for the war. The center report from Ukraine highlights the symbolic importance of the meeting occurring in Kyiv on Independence Day and the specific military preparations for a future reassurance force.