This week’s surge in diplomacy proceeded Thursday as 34 leaders convened in a Coalition of the Willing meeting focused on security guarantees for Ukraine. Another key objective was securing US alignment with their stances.
Participants of the «Coalition of the Willing» for Ukraine emphasized the necessity of sustaining transatlantic solidarity, while Europeans strive to amplify their sway in peace negotiations with Moscow amid mounting US pressure for a rapid agreement.
«Efforts are underway to guarantee the security assurances include robust European deterrence measures and are dependable, and it is crucial that the United States stands with us supporting these endeavours,» Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated following the virtual gathering of 34 predominantly European nations.
Zelenskyy also highlighted having had «a thorough and productive dialogue with the American delegation» that included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Generals Keane and Grynkewich, along with Josh Gruenbaum from the Federal Acquisition Service, centered on security assurances.
«Security guarantees represent some of the most vital components for all following phases,» he posted on X, adding: «It was resolved that the teams will engage actively to ensure that a clear understanding of the security guarantees emerges shortly. I am grateful to everyone who is contributing!»
Other European leaders present also voiced their backing for Ukraine, underlining the importance of maintaining transatlantic cohesion and sustaining pressure on Russia.
US President Donald Trump has explicitly stated his expectation that European allies bear the majority of responsibility regarding security guarantees, with 26 countries already having declared their commitment to provide equipment and support post-truce. France and the UK, co-chairs of the Coalition of the Willing, are among those prepared to participate in a proposed reassurance force.
Yet, several plans hinge on a US safety net, particularly regarding air defense and intelligence sharing.
‘The forthcoming week will be critical’
An influential point within the negotiation process from which Europeans seek to exert leverage, having been mostly sidelined, is the matter of the €210 billion in Russian sovereign assets frozen within their jurisdictions, earmarked to fund Ukraine’s financial needs across the next two years.
On Thursday, the European Union approved the indefinite freezing of the Russian Central Bank’s assets, a crucial aspect of the reparations loan to Ukraine, still undergoing intense negotiations ahead of a decisive summit next week.
This move will place these assets securely under EU control amid concerns that the US might attempt to access the frozen funds and apply them in a future settlement with Moscow as peace negotiations advance.
Such steps have been taken to reassure Belgium, which holds most of these assets, and had earlier opposed the loan’s creation due to fears of Russian retaliation and unequal sharing of responsibilities.
«I informed the leaders about our progress in securing financing for Ukraine for 2026-2027,» said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, after the Coalition of the Willing meeting.
«Our proposals are on the table, and everyone recognizes the urgency. The next week will be decisive,» she added on X.
Possible Europe-Ukraine-US meeting this weekend
The Thursday gathering followed a telephone conversation a day earlier between France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, and Keir Starmer with Trump, discussing the developments in peace talks after the London meeting with Zelenskyy.
«The core question remains which territories and concessions Ukraine is prepared to make. This is a matter that must primarily be decided by the Ukrainian president and the people of Ukraine. We also communicated this clearly to President Trump,» Merz told reporters Thursday.
«Should this process continue as planned, discussions with the American administration are expected over the weekend. A meeting in Berlin early next week might follow, regardless of American participation. Much depends on the joint drafting of the documents currently underway,» he added.
Earlier on the same day, Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told a conference that the initial 28-point plan drafted by Washington and Moscow, which was perceived as heavily favoring Russia by demanding Ukraine cede the entire Donbas region, «no longer exists.»
«We influenced this development,» he stated. «The new plan consists of 20 points and has significantly changed. Do we need closer engagement with the United States than before? Yes. Is reaching common ground possible? Yes.»
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed agreement alongside him.
«Do I believe that on Ukraine the US and Europe can find consensus? Yes, I am optimistic. Can the Russians be expected to accept? That is uncertain,» he said.
«So, it is important to challenge Putin. Let’s see if he truly desires peace or prefers the conflict to persist. It is vital for all of us to maintain pressure on Russia and support genuine efforts to end the war.»