On Thursday, European leaders pledged to bolster Ukraine’s military, recognizing it as key to future security in the country. France and Britain are working to expand support for a potential foreign reassurance force in case a truce with Russia occurs. This marks the third summit of the “coalition of the willing,” a term used by Britain and France, reflecting European concerns that the U.S. may no longer be a strong supporter of Ukraine’s ongoing battle against Russian aggression. Progress on Europe’s role in providing post-war security guarantees remains challenging, with the prospect of a ceasefire uncertain, heavily depending on Russia’s actions and the extent of U.S. support for its allies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of additional funding for Ukraine’s armed forces as part of the discussions.
A Franco-British military delegation will soon visit Ukraine to assess its long-term military needs. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that a Ukrainian army of 500,000 to 1 million would serve as the first line of defense if a peace agreement is reached.
Zelenskyy expressed optimism about the support being pledged, stressing the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s army as the foundation of national security.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron co-hosted the summit, agreeing that Ukraine requires further support to be in the strongest possible position for any future peace talks. While no specific announcements were made, France committed around 2 billion euros ($2.2 billion) in new aid, including warplanes and missiles.
