Coalition of the willing meets in Paris as EU foreign ministers prepare fresh Russia sanctions

Paris talks on security guarantees and missile defence

More than 35 countries in the so-called coalition of the willing are meeting in Paris on Monday. The talks, led by France and the United Kingdom, will focus on securing a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron indicated the agenda includes missile defence and possible joint military exercises. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has confirmed his attendance. It remained unclear whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would participate.

The talks will address missile defence and possible joint military manoeuvres.

The coalition earlier this year agreed in a Paris declaration to provide Ukraine with legally binding assurances that it would not be left alone in the event of a renewed Russian attack. The group also outlined a framework for a multinational force designed to act as a deterrent and support Ukrainian forces in peacetime, including training young soldiers and securing airspace and maritime areas. Moscow demands a say in the matter and vehemently rejects any stationing of foreign troops in Ukraine.

Patriot ammunition shortage and US licensing offer

President Zelenskyy is urgently seeking new ammunition for Ukraine's Patriot air defence systems, the most effective weapon against Russia's ballistic missiles. PAC-3 interceptor missiles are in short supply and production in the United States is proceeding slowly. At the recent NATO summit in Ankara, US President Donald Trump offered Ukraine a licence to manufacture ammunition for the Patriot system. The offer is a long-term solution, however, and ammunition remains scarce on the ground, a situation Russia is exploiting.

EU foreign ministers prepare new sanctions

Before the Paris meeting, EU foreign ministers are holding their last regular gathering before the summer break in Brussels. They plan to impose further sanctions on individuals, entities and organisations from Russia. It is not yet clear whether a comprehensive new package including trade restrictions and other measures can enter into force, as negotiations were still ongoing. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is expected to attend. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has been invited for an informal exchange of views.

US Senate pushes for tougher measures

Additional pressure on Moscow could come from Washington. Influential senators from both parties announced last week that they had agreed with the US administration on new sanctions against Russia. Among the signatories was Republican Lindsey Graham, a key supporter of Kyiv who died unexpectedly over the weekend shortly after returning from a visit to Ukraine. The proposed legislation includes penalties for states that purchase Russian gas and oil. A statement from the White House is still pending.

Fighting continues in eastern Ukraine

Combat operations on the fronts in eastern and southeastern Ukraine continue unabated. Recent focal points have been the areas around Kostiantynivka, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, according to the Ukrainian general staff.