Coalition of the Willing to Host Rutte and Zelensky in Paris

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend a key meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris on Monday. The event in support of Ukraine was officially announced by the French presidential office.

The main goal of the talks will be to build on the momentum of the aid package approved at the recent NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. The Élysée Palace confirmed that intensive diplomatic preparations are currently underway, focused on security guarantees following the ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow.

Macron had already stated at the Ankara summit that he would use the Paris meeting to present new defense initiatives and joint exercises, aiming to demonstrate that Europe is gradually assuming greater responsibility for its own security.

Monday's talks will also focus on Russia's shadow fleet, strengthening Ukraine's military capabilities, mobilizing the European defense industry and deepening operational cooperation.

Military aid to Kyiv has stabilized even after US President Donald Trump expressed a more favorable stance at recent summits. Two additional countries, Moldova and North Macedonia, have also recently joined the European coalition.

European Union leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa will also attend the strategic meeting in Paris.

(Reuters, Max)