Key Ukrainian allies are to meet with top US envoys in Paris to discuss security guarantees, as they press ahead on US-brokered plans to end the war with Russia.
The summit of the group of Ukraine supporters dubbed the “Coalition of the Willing” is the latest of several meetings planned for the new year as diplomatic efforts to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II have gained pace in recent weeks.
Representatives of 35 countries, including Ireland, will gather in Paris, with the French presidency saying the meeting aims to show the “alignment” between Washington, Kyiv and European allies on security guarantees for Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner will attend the meeting of the coalition, which was launched last year by France and the UK.
An adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron said the new meeting is the culmination of efforts launched after Donald Trump’s re-election to prevent “the United States from abandoning Ukraine”.Russia, which occupies around 20% of Ukraine, is pushing for full control of the country’s eastern Donbas region as part of a deal.
But Kyiv has warned ceding ground will embolden Moscow and said it will not sign a peace deal that fails to deter Russia from invading again.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee will also attend today’s meeting.
Speaking ahead of it she said it is an opportunity to take stock, and to discuss how to support Ukraine both now and in the future.
She added that pressure on Russia to end its war must be increased.
“I will emphasise that EU membership is an important security guarantee for Ukraine, and underline Ireland’s strong support for progress on Ukraine’s EU accession path,” she said.
