“Coalition of the Willing” expected to meet in Kyiv
The “Coalition of the Willing” will meet today in Kyiv.
The Coalition, committed to the support of Ukraine against Russia, has been led by the United Kingdom and France and is currently made up of more than thirty countries as well as European Council and NATO representatives. The Coalition is focused on providing aid to Ukraine, supporting future peacekeeping efforts, and increasing Europe’s defense spending. While all the countries of the Coalition are committed to the defense of Ukraine and Europe, countries vary on whether they are willing to provide troops to aid in peacekeeping efforts.
Today’s meeting will bring together military leadership from those countries who have been open to contributing their troops to future peacekeeping efforts. To date, only the UK and France have officially committed to deploying troops to support a ceasefire in Ukraine but other countries such as Sweden and Denmark have spoken about being open to the idea. Ukraine and the attendees aim to determine the details of European boots on the ground in Ukraine; European troops would likely provide support in critical areas away from the frontline, where a UN mission would presumably ensure peace. This meeting builds on last week’s summit, giving concrete plans of action for what have until now been broad goals laid out by the Coalition.
While the Coalition is committed to the continuation of aid to Ukraine, boots on the ground is dependent on a ceasefire deal. However, Europe has been left out of peace negotiations, with the US being the key mediator between Ukraine and Russia and most discussions taking place in Saudi Arabia. With no seat at the negotiating table, the Coalition must be content with its role in
providing aid to Ukraine and supporting potential peacekeeping efforts.
