What Did the Coalition of the Willing Agree in Kyiv?

Ukraine’s allies agreed in Kyiv on Monday to urgently strengthen the country’s air defenses, increase military support, tighten sanctions on Russia and continue preparations for a multinational force that could deploy after a ceasefire. The Coalition of the Willing gathered in Kyiv and by video conference as Ukraine marked the 35th anniversary of the restoration of its independence.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz chaired the meeting alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky. The leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s fight to defend its “sovereignty, freedom and territorial integrity” and condemned Russia’s escalating attacks on Ukrainian cities, civilians and critical infrastructure. They also condemned Russian strikes on Ukraine’s cultural heritage, including the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The coalition reaffirmed Ukraine’s inherent right to defend itself against Russia’s war of aggression under international law and Article 51 of the UN Charter. The leaders also made clear that threats from Moscow would not deter continued military support for Kyiv. Air defense an ‘urgent priority’ Strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses emerged as one of the clearest immediate commitments. The leaders agreed to increase military support and strengthen Ukraine’s air defense “as a matter of urgent priority.” Other Topics of Interest Ukraine Allies Defy Moscow Threats, Pledge Air Defense Boost and Missile Production Leaders from 30 allied states met in Kyiv as Zelensky sought 300 Patriot interceptors and more funding for Ukrainian drone and missile production. They also pledged deeper cooperation with Ukraine’s defense industry and the sharing of relevant military technologies, including through the Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition. The commitment comes as Russia intensifies ballistic missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and Ukraine seeks additional interceptor missiles from its partners. Tougher sanctions on Russia’s war machine The coalition also agreed to “ratchet up” sanctions against Russia’s military-industrial complex and those helping sustain it. Leaders pledged to further constrain Moscow’s ability to finance the invasion through sanctions and wider economic measures, while stepping up action against sanctions circumvention and Russia’s Shadow Fleet. According to the joint statement, measures taken by Ukraine’s partners since February 2022 have deprived Russia’s war chest of at least $495 billion. The coalition also welcomed efforts in the US Senate to apply further economic pressure on Moscow. Leaders committed to working closely with Washington in the coming months on coordinated measures aimed at draining Russia’s ability to continue its war against Ukraine. Winter energy support Ukraine’s allies also agreed that support for the country’s energy system must be delivered urgently ahead of winter. The coalition pledged immediate assistance through the Ukraine Energy Support Fund as well as specialist equipment needed to strengthen and repair Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s power and energy infrastructure throughout the full-scale invasion. The leaders also committed to supporting Ukraine’s wider economic resilience amid intensified Russian efforts to renew pressure on Ukraine’s maritime trade and ports. Multinational force after ceasefire The coalition reaffirmed one of its most significant long-term security plans – preparation of a Multinational Force Ukraine. The force would be ready to deploy once a “credible cessation of hostilities” is in place. According to the statement, it would form part of a broader package of “robust politically and legally binding security guarantees” intended to secure Ukraine after a ceasefire. The commitment means coalition planning extends beyond supplying Ukraine during the current phase of the war to creating a security structure designed to protect the country after hostilities end. Ceasefire from the line of contact Coalition leaders praised Zelensky’s readiness to enter meaningful peace negotiations aimed at achieving a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace.” At the same time, they repeated their demand that Russia agree to a “full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire” beginning from the current line of contact. The leaders ended the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to Ukraine’s independence and describing the country’s security as part of the wider peace and security of Europe. They pledged their solidarity with Ukraine “for as long as it takes.” Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.