Press conference with Federal Chancellor Merz after the meeting of the coalition of the willing
At the summit in Paris, the coalition of the willing was joined by Ukraine and the USA in setting an important milestone for an end to the war in Ukraine. "After almost four years of war, there is a first hint of peace in the air", summarised Chancellor Merz.
- Transcript of press conference
- Tuesday, 6 January 2026
Another meeting of the coalition of the willing has taken place in Paris.
Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel
Following the summit meeting of the coalition of the willing in Paris, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasised the increasing cooperation between Ukraine, the European partners and the United States of America. The aim, he explained, is to create the conditions for a lasting and just peace in Europe.
Merz noted that Europe and its partners share the same strategic goal: a stable ceasefire, strong security guarantees and a peace that Europeans and Ukrainians shape together. "Today, the focus was on what contribution Europe and its partners in the coalition of the willing can make together to ensure Ukraine's security following a ceasefire", he said.
Read the most important facts in brief here:
- Security guarantees: There is a need for strong, legally binding security guarantees from the USA and an American backstop to shore up European involvement. The US is prepared to "assume its responsibility when it comes to realising peace", which was welcomed by Chancellor Merz.
- Ceasefire: Under these conditions, Europe and its partners are prepared to help Ukraine continue to build up strong armed forces in the future. The coalition wants to participate in monitoring a ceasefire and will contribute to strengthening Ukraine on land, at sea and in the air. "The Federal Government and the German Bundestag must and will decide on the type and scope of a German contribution as soon as the above-mentioned conditions have been clarified", said Merz.
- Reconstruction and economy: Economic strength is a key pillar of Ukrainian security and is inseparable from the issue of security guarantees. "Economic strength will be an indispensable guarantee that Ukraine will continue to credibly deter Russia in the future", said the Federal Chancellor. The European partners are therefore working together, in close coordination with the USA, to come up with a corresponding package.
- Combating corruption: On the Ukrainian side, Kyiv is expected to act quickly to fight corruption at home. Even after a ceasefire, Ukraine needs to ensure that its young men put themselves at the service of a secure and economically healthy Ukraine instead of leaving.
Read the transcript of the press conference here (in German only):