Merz: renewed momentum for the Coalition of the Willing
At the summit in Paris, the partner countries reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. They will seek to further expand assistance for Kyiv.
Paris (dpa) – Following the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” summit in Paris, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed the willingness of all participants to support Ukraine in ensuring security after a ceasefire. “We will continue our close cooperation as a coalition of the willing,” Merz said, adding that the partners had created a new diplomatic and military momentum in recent weeks – and this now had to be harnessed.
The partners will seek to further expand support for Kyiv. At the NATO summit in Ankara, it was decided to provide Ukraine with more than 70 billion euros this year and next. The production of air defence systems and long-range strike weapons for Europe is to be expanded. In addition, said Merz, they were looking to work together to strengthen protection against ballistic missiles. “This will also help Ukraine withstand Russia’s aggression,” said the Chancellor.
Following the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron invited the heads of state and government of the Coalition of the Willing, an alliance of 36 countries, to a dinner at the Élysée Palace. Chancellor Merz will also attend the military parade on the Champs-Élysées to mark France’s national day on 14 July.
