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. Around 10 leaders, including European Council chief Antonio Costa, will be in Kyiv for the coalition meeting. NATO's deputy secretary-general Radmila Shekerinska will 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.
The Coalition of the Willing 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 represents a significant international effort to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. By providing military aid and political backing, the coalition aims to help Ukraine defend itself and work towards a resolution to the conflict. The meeting on Ukraine's Independence Day underscores the commitment of these nations to stand by Kyiv as it faces ongoing aggression.
The participation of high-level leaders from France, Germany, and the UK highlights the importance of this meeting. Their presence signals a strong, unified front among key European nations in support of Ukraine. The inclusion of NATO's deputy secretary-general further emphasizes the international dimension of this effort.
For Ukraine, this meeting is a crucial show of solidarity and support from its allies. It comes at a time when the country is facing increased missile attacks from Russia, making international support more vital than ever. The coalition's continued commitment to providing air-defence support and planning for post-ceasefire scenarios demonstrates a long-term strategy to aid Ukraine in its defence and recovery efforts.
The significance of this meeting extends beyond Europe. For countries like Bangladesh, which values international peace and stability, the ongoing support for Ukraine is a reminder of the global community's role in addressing conflicts. It highlights the importance of international cooperation in resolving disputes and supporting nations facing aggression.
