Planned video conference of the "Coalition of the Willing" with Zelensky in Kyiv

British Prime Minister Starmer initiated the planned conference together with the Élysée and the Federal Chancellery. Macron and Merz had last met in person at the EU summit in Brussels, where they coordinated their line toward Moscow. Both governments emphasize that Ukraine will be supported for as long as necessary, but so far reject a direct military involvement of their own combat troops.

From Kyiv, Zelensky as well as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Council President António Costa will join via video link. With the involvement of NATO leadership and EU leadership, the meeting is seen by observers as carrying a higher political weight than previous rounds of the "Coalition of the Willing," which in recent times had mainly included European heads of government.

Focus of the consultations

According to diplomats' assessment, the consultations are likely to center on three topics: the situation at the front, the need for air defense systems to fend off Russian missile and drone attacks, and financial and logistical support for Ukraine beyond the current year. Zelensky had recently pointed to the massive damage to the energy infrastructure caused by Russian attacks.

A spokesperson for the British government said they would discuss with the partners "konkrete Schritte zur Stärkung der ukrainischen Luftverteidigung." In recent weeks, London had announced the delivery of additional Storm Shadow cruise missiles; France and Germany are also providing missile defense systems and ammunition. Quantities and schedules have so far been kept confidential.

Observers also see the planned video conference as an attempt to consolidate the format of the "Coalition of the Willing" again following political tensions within Europe. While countries such as Poland and the Baltic states are calling for tougher sanctions against Moscow, other EU member states are holding back in view of the economic consequences.

Political symbolism on the eve of Independence Day

It is still unclear whether the meeting is to adopt a formal final document or a joint declaration. In earlier rounds, the participants had published declarations of intent on arms deliveries and financial support, which, however, fell short of Kyiv's expectations. Zelensky had repeatedly made clear that he expected concrete commitments rather than symbolic solidarity.

The video conference takes place on the eve of Ukraine's Independence Day, which is celebrated every year on 24 August. In Kyiv, the day traditionally honors the founding of the state in 1991 and the resistance against Russia's war of aggression. Several European heads of state and government use the occasion for solidarity visits.

It is considered likely that the participants will also discuss possible security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of negotiations with Moscow. France and the United Kingdom had recently floated the idea of a European "Reassurance Force" that could be stationed in Ukraine after a possible ceasefire. Russia has repeatedly rejected such plans.

Open questions on security guarantees

The German government had recently announced that it would significantly increase military aid for Ukraine in the coming budget. Details are to be presented in the coming weeks, according to sources in Berlin. The EU is also preparing a new sanctions package against Russia, which according to diplomats is aimed, among other things, at the shadow fleet and individual banks.

An exact date for a possible meeting between Zelensky and Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, which had been repeatedly rumored in recent weeks, remains open. Zelensky had signaled a willingness to talk, but at the same time stressed that an end to the war must be tied to Kyiv's conditions.

Overall, according to sources in Western capitals, the video conference is mainly meant to convey the impression that Ukraine's most important European supporters continue to act in unity – regardless of differing national positions on the nature and scope of further assistance.