Following the summit of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed the willingness of all parties involved to continue contributing to Ukraine’s security even after a ceasefire. “We will continue our close cooperation as the Coalition of the Willing,” said Merz. Together, the partners have created a new diplomatic and military dynamic over the past few weeks – and this must now be capitalised on.

French President Emmanuel Macron had invited the heads of state and government of the Coalition of the Willing to a dinner at the Élysée Palace. To mark France’s National Day on 14 July, the Federal Chancellor will also take part in the military parade on the Champs-Élysées. 

Read the most important facts in brief here:

• Monitoring, security guarantees for a strong Ukraine: For a lasting peace in Ukraine, a ceasefire must be followed by robust monitoring, binding security guarantees and a Ukraine that remains strong in the long term. The Coalition of the Willing intends to play a key role in this effort, alongside the US. “The Federal Government and the Bundestag will decide on the nature and scope of Germany’s contribution in due course,” said Merz.
• Stepping up support: The partners intend to further expand their support for Kyiv. At the NATO summit in Ankara, it was decided to provide Ukraine with more than 70 billion euros in aid this year and next. The issue of Ukraine’s air defence is now a matter of particular urgency. In addition, Ukraine should be supported in its preparations for the possibility of yet another winter of war – including through the construction of more resilient energy networks and the completion of urgent repairs.
• Alignment on defence industry issues: The production of air defence systems and stand-off weapons in Europe is set to be expanded. Furthermore, the Coalition of the Willing intends to work together, above all in protecting against ballistic missiles. “In the long run, this will also help Ukraine withstand Russia’s aggression.” "It will also help our defence industries in Europe to work even more closely together," said the Chancellor.

The Coalition of the Willing is an alliance of 35 states and organisations, which are working together with Ukraine to secure a lasting and just peace for the country, and are discussing security guarantees for a sovereign Ukraine even after a ceasefire. Federal Chancellor Merz represents Germany as one of the driving forces in the coalition, alongside France and the United Kingdom. 

Read the transcript of the press statement here (in German only):