Macron Hosts Ukraine Summit in Paris with Zelenskyy
French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting a major summit of the “Coalition of the Willing” in Paris on Monday, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attending in person as at least 25 heads of state and government gather to coordinate further military and strategic support for Ukraine. The meeting at the Hôtel national des Invalides aims to demonstrate Western unity, push toward a ceasefire, and increase pressure on Moscow, according to RTBF.
Context and Background
The Coalition of the Willing, launched by France and the United Kingdom, is a group of countries committed to providing military support and security guarantees to Ukraine. Currently comprising 35 countries, the coalition is expanding to 37 with Moldova and North Macedonia joining the discussions for the first time at Monday’s summit. The meeting comes at what the Élysée Palace described as a “powerful moment of renewed transatlantic convergence and unity,” following recent G7 and NATO summits where Ukraine was promised €70 billion in military assistance for 2026.
Key Developments
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte are among the leaders attending. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will not be present, as The Guardian reported.
A French presidential advisor stated that the meeting will “continue to amplify this momentum to show that Ukraine’s supporters remain determined alongside Ukrainians, that there is no fatigue at all, and that Russia cannot bank on this fatigue.” The summit’s primary objectives include strengthening Ukraine’s air defense and anti-ballistic missile capabilities, discussing licensed production of weapons — including Patriot missiles — in Ukraine, and coordinating further military and humanitarian support.
According to RBC Ukraine, plans for a multinational mission force away from the front line are described as “ready” by France, though “subject to change.” Security guarantees would be based on legally binding bilateral agreements with US participation in monitoring any ceasefire.
Coordinated Western Pressure
The summit coincides with a coordinated Western response to Russian operations. The EU has sanctioned nine individuals and four entities over Russian cyber espionage targeting at least 10 European countries, including France, Germany, and Poland. The UK has separately sanctioned 24 individuals and entities for Russian hybrid operations, including GRU senior leadership figures. France and Germany have also summoned Russian ambassadors over alleged cyber attacks.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas described the sanctions as “the biggest number of listings we have done so far,” adding that they are also a reaction to Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians, as The Guardian reported.
Analysis and Implications
The summit represents a multi-pronged Western strategy against Russia, combining military coordination, economic sanctions, and diplomatic pressure. The timing is significant — it follows recent Ukrainian drone strikes that forced Russia to suspend shipping in the Sea of Azov after 90 vessels were targeted in less than a week. Ukraine’s drone forces chief, Robert Brovdi, described this as “the technological humiliation of the Russian empire,” according to Kyiv Post.
Macron delivered his annual Bastille Day eve speech to French armed forces earlier Monday, stating: “Yes, we must prepare for the wars to come. But let us not be mistaken: our ability to wage them will depend on our credibility today. It is today’s wars that we must win.” He added: “The message we send to the world is this: Yes, peace is our goal. Yes, we cherish freedom and justice. And yes, we stand ready to fight to defend them always, even at the cost of our blood if necessary.”
Russian Response
Moscow has dismissed the summit, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov calling the Coalition of the Willing “a coalition of warmongers” and stating that Russia will “closely follow” the discussions. The Kremlin described the coalition as “the group of countries which want the war to continue.”
What’s Next
Leaders are expected to remain in Paris for the July 14 Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Élysées, which will feature 6,800 service members — 15% more than last year — including 500 troops from Coalition countries. Two Mirage fighter jets flown by Ukrainian pilots who completed training in France will also participate. A joint press conference with Macron, Zelenskyy, Merz, and Starmer is expected later Monday afternoon, where concrete commitments on military aid and security guarantees are anticipated.
As Ukrinform reported, Zelenskyy said Ukraine expects favorable responses from both the G7 and the Coalition of the Willing as part of an active diplomatic push, framing the summer as a critical window for advancing security guarantees and moving the peace process forward. “We have a busy international schedule ahead,” Zelenskyy said, thanking everyone who is helping defend Ukraine.