French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday, March 20, that the leaders of a coalition supporting Ukraine will reconvene in Paris next week to finalize plans aimed at achieving a potential ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Russia. “We will hold another meeting of the coalition of the willing next Thursday in Paris, with President [Volodymyr] Zelensky in attendance,” Macron informed reporters after an EU summit in Brussels.
We will finalize our efforts regarding immediate support for the Ukrainian military, establish a sustainable defense model for Ukraine’s armed forces to deter Russian aggression, and outline the security guarantees that European armies can offer,” he stated. “The entire process will be concluded in the coming days.” Macron, alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has been spearheading initiatives to create a coalition in support of Ukraine since US President Donald Trump initiated direct negotiations with Russia last month to resolve the three-year conflict. “We have collaborated extensively with the British on strategies to support a ceasefire,” Macron remarked. “This is crucial to ensure that any ceasefire is credible when it occurs.”
“This meeting will provide an opportunity for discussion and refinement,” the French leader added. On Friday, Macron expressed that Russia has demonstrated a lack of seriousness regarding peace efforts in Ukraine, following a new wave of drone attacks against the country despite American attempts to mediate the situation. “Last night, Russia once again proved that it does not genuinely seek peace. I extend my full support to the Ukrainian people,” Macron posted on X.
On Thursday, Starmer convened discussions with approximately 30 senior military strategists from countries interested in joining the coalition. He remarked afterward that the “political intention” behind security guarantees for Ukraine is increasingly becoming a “reality.”
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The British leader noted that plans are being formulated regarding potential actions at sea, in the air, and for border defense. However, uncertainties persist about the group’s capabilities, especially after Russian President Vladimir Putin stipulated that an end to Western military support for Ukraine is a prerequisite for any cessation of hostilities. Both Starmer and Macron have expressed their readiness to deploy their own troops. Conversely, Russia has stated it will not tolerate the presence of NATO forces in Ukraine, and Washington has not indicated any willingness to provide a security framework for such a ground deployment.
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