'Coalition of Will' Summit
"Deployment or Stationing of Troops on Land, Sea, and Air"
Emmanuel Macron, President of France, announced on September 4 (local time) that if Russia and Ukraine reach a ceasefire agreement, 26 Western countries have pledged to participate in Ukraine's security guarantee force.
President Macron explained at a meeting held at the Elysee Palace with the leaders of the countries participating in the 'Coalition of Willing', that 26 countries, mainly European nations, have agreed to dispatch troops or station forces on land, sea, and air to guarantee Ukraine's security the day after a ceasefire is achieved. President Macron emphasized, "This unit has neither the intention nor the purpose of waging war against Russia."
The meeting, co-hosted by President Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, was attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, leaders, heads of state, and representatives from Ukraine's allied countries, totaling around 30 nations, either in person or via video conference. The United States was represented by White House Middle East envoy Steve Whitkoff.
President Macron stated, "What remains now is to finalize the planning work together with the United States," adding, "The details of the security guarantee force will not be disclosed. We will not expose the plans to Russia." He also commented on the participation of Germany, Poland, and Italy, which had previously opposed troop deployment to Ukraine, saying, "They are among the 26 contributing countries, each with their own method of participation," and explained that this could include directly deploying troops or providing bases within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He warned that if Russia continues to reject peace, European countries, in coordination with the United States, will impose new sanctions.
The British Prime Minister's Office announced that the United Kingdom has decided to provide long-range missiles to Ukraine, stating that this is "a measure to further strengthen the military capabilities of the country concerned."
After the meeting, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said in an interview with domestic media, "President Trump's approach is that we must respond jointly to sanctions, and in particular, we must seek ways to stop Russia's war through economic means." He added, "This includes oil and gas," and mentioned that the President of the European Commission and close aides to President Trump will discuss this matter within the next 24 hours.
At the press conference, President Zelensky repeatedly stressed the need for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said, "A meeting with President Putin is necessary. We support proposals in any format, but Russia is using every means to stall for time." Regarding President Putin's invitation to Moscow, President Zelensky commented, "It is an attempt to derail the talks," but also said, "The fact that Russia is even mentioning talks can be considered a first step. Talks between mature leaders must be outcome-oriented, and that outcome should be the end of the war."
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