President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing held in Paris. The meeting brought together representatives of 40 countries, with Moldova and North Macedonia joining the Coalition. This was the 15th meeting of the Coalition of the Willing since its first gathering in February 2025, which was also held in the French capital.
The Head of State thanked President of France Emmanuel Macron for the invitation, the meeting, and its concrete and important results. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted Keir Starmer’s consistent support for Ukraine and the important decisions taken within the Coalition of the Willing – this was his final Coalition meeting as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The President of Ukraine expressed gratitude to everyone present for their attention to Ukraine and their respect for its people.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that today in Paris, Ukraine and a number of partner countries launched the FREYJA Anti-Ballistic Missile Program. The inaugural meeting of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition also took place, attended, in particular, by European manufacturers of critical components for defense systems.
“All of you can see the threat posed by ballistic missiles today. In Russia’s war against Ukraine, ballistic missile strikes have become Russia’s final bet – truly his final means of prolonging this bloody war. Throughout all the years of the full-scale war, Putin has been trying to break us – each and every one of us – to break Ukraine and Ukrainians, to break our motivation, our morale, the morale of our people. The battlefield does not allow him to do that.” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
Emmanuel Macron pointed out that Ukraine has largely regained the initiative in this war, while military and economic difficulties are mounting for Russia.
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom called for stepping up support for Ukraine with each passing day, particularly its air defense, so that Ukrainians can continue successfully resisting Russian aggression. Keir Starmer noted that his successor as head of the British government would continue this policy.
“We must strengthen our own production capabilities and support innovation in Ukraine. We must increase pressure on Russia by moving forward with stronger sanctions,” he said.
According to the President of France, the participants in the Coalition of the Willing identified steps to continue supporting Ukraine and putting pressure on Russia. The partners are determined to strengthen positions, move toward a ceasefire and peace, and support Ukraine more decisively over the long term.
In particular, France will grant licenses to manufacture ASTER missiles for SAMP/T air defense systems and SCALP cruise missiles.
In Paris today, attention was also focused on measures that can help protect lives right now. The President of Ukraine noted France’s readiness to provide additional air defense systems and missiles for them as early as this year.
Emmanuel Macron also highlighted the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to grant Ukraine licenses to manufacture interceptor missiles for Patriot systems.
In addition, preparations for winter must begin now.
“Today we discussed what is needed to prepare the energy sector. We are counting very much on our partners’ support. All Coalition participants effectively agreed on this today,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
The German Chancellor stressed the importance of working on Ukraine’s air defense and helping the country prepare as effectively as possible for the coming winter. Germany will provide all necessary assistance in the energy sector.
Another priority for the partners remains strengthening sanctions. The European Union’s 21st sanctions package will be adopted in the near future. One of the main priorities is countering Russia’s shadow fleet. In particular, the President of France noted that his country has already carried out five operations to intercept such vessels since the beginning of this year.
The parties agreed to hold the next meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Ukraine.
