Countries allied with Ukraine in its war with Russia will meet on Monday to reaffirm support for Kyiv, in talks held on Ukraine's independence day, the French presidency said Friday. The meeting of the Coalition of the Willing will be co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and the new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Macron will join via video link.
Around 10 leaders including European Council chief Antonio Costa will be in Kyiv for the coalition meeting, according to an EU official. NATO announced that its deputy secretary-general Radmila Shekerinska would take part remotely. The meeting comes as Moscow has increasingly targeted the Ukrainian capital with ballistic missiles.
President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday urged a global response to Moscow's 'escalation' of the four-year war. In July, representatives of the 37 coalition members -- including Zelensky -- gathered for the 16th meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. It was launched by France and the United Kingdom to provide military support to Ukraine after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
During the meeting, allies announced more air-defence support for Kyiv, as well as exercises of the force to be deployed after a ceasefire in efforts to increase pressure on Russia to end the war. The Coalition of the Willing was established to provide coordinated support to Ukraine, including military aid, economic assistance, and diplomatic backing. The coalition's regular meetings are crucial for maintaining alignment among member states and ensuring a unified approach to supporting Ukraine.
The upcoming meeting on Ukraine's independence day is particularly significant as it underscores the international community's continued commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The presence of high-ranking officials from key European nations and NATO demonstrates the collective resolve to counter Russian aggression. The coalition's focus on air-defence support and post-ceasefire deployment exercises highlights the strategic planning and preparedness to sustain long-term support for Ukraine.
For Bangladesh, the continued international support for Ukraine is significant as it reflects the global commitment to upholding international law and the principles of sovereignty and non-aggression. The situation in Ukraine also has broader implications for global security and stability, which indirectly affects countries like Bangladesh through potential impacts on international trade, energy prices, and geopolitical dynamics.
