Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Merz co-chaired a virtual meeting of a grouping of Coalition of the Willing Leaders with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US Vice-President James David Vance, ahead of President Donald J. Trump's meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Welcoming President Trump's efforts to stop "the killing in Ukraine and end Russia's war of aggression," the Coalition Leaders outlined four conditions for the US-Russia summit to achieve a just and lasting peace, according to a joint statement released by 10 Downing Street.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the leaders were clear that the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. "It was necessary to continue an approach that combined active diplomacy, support to Ukraine, and pressure on Russia. A diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine's and Europe's vital security interests," the statement reads.
The Coalition Leaders reiterated four primary conditions: First, meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or a lasting and significant cessation of hostilities. Second, sanctions and wider economic measures to put pressure on Russia's war economy should be strengthened if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire in Alaska. Third, international borders must not be changed by force. Fourth, Ukraine must have robust and credible security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Coalition of the Willing expressed readiness to play an active role, including through plans by those willing to deploy a reassurance force once hostilities have ceased. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine's armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. The statement emphasized that Russia could not have a veto against Ukraine's pathway to EU and NATO. The Leaders confirmed they would continue to cooperate closely with President Trump and with the United States of America, and with President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine, for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.