Trump and Putin discussion sought by Trump and Zelensky following US-Russia dialogues in Alaska
In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the Coalition of the Willing - comprising Britain, France, and Germany - has outlined a clear position on the pathway to a ceasefire and a just and lasting peace.
The Coalition insists on a ceasefire or significant cessation of hostilities as a basis for meaningful negotiations. They emphasise that any path to peace must involve Ukraine's full participation and safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Europe’s vital security interests.
The Coalition rejects any forced border changes and backs robust security guarantees for Ukraine. They are prepared to deploy a reassurance (peacekeeping) force in Ukraine post-ceasefire. This includes no limitations on Ukraine’s armed forces or its cooperation with third countries, and Russia cannot veto Ukraine’s pathway to the EU and NATO.
About ten countries have prepared to send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine after a ceasefire or peace deal is signed, with France and the UK playing leading roles.
The Coalition continues close cooperation with Ukraine, the US, and other partners for a just and lasting peace. However, there is unease in Europe regarding the upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as no Ukrainian leader or any European leader has been invited to the talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for more sanctions on Russia and for a meeting of the leaders of the US, Russia, and Ukraine. In response, Germany plans to fund a $500 million package of military equipment and munitions for Ukraine sourced from the US under NATO's new Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged US President Donald Trump to work towards a peace in Ukraine that safeguards European and Ukrainian security interests. Trump has said he wants to obtain a ceasefire in Ukraine during his meeting with Putin in Alaska, as reported by French President Emmanuel Macron.
In a virtual meeting with Trump, Macron stated that Trump was clear about wanting to achieve a ceasefire during talks with Putin in Alaska. Trump has also said there will be "very severe consequences" if Putin doesn't agree to stop the war after Friday's summit in Alaska. If the meeting goes well, Trump has said he would like to have a quick second meeting with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
However, Russia wants to include the topic of a reduction of NATO troops presence in any conversations about the future of Ukraine, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Macron has stated that only Zelensky can negotiate a land deal with Russia in an effort to end Moscow's war against his country.
The Coalition's stance underscores the importance of upholding Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also safeguarding Europe's security interests. As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, the Coalition remains committed to active diplomacy, sustained pressure on Russia through sanctions if it refuses to agree to a ceasefire, and unequivocally states that international borders must not be changed by force.
- The Coalition's active diplomacy encompasses conversations about Ukraine's arts and culture, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Ukraine's sovereignty and territoral integrity, which are integral elements of its national identity.
- In the midst of war-and-conflicts, politics, and general news, the Union's commitment to Ukraine extends beyond the ceasefire, involving Ukraine's full participation in discussions about its future, including its efforts to join the EU and NATO, which are crucial aspects of its political landscape.
