IRIA News

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Leaders of the Coalition of the Willing met on November 25, 2025, in a virtual session co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The meeting brought together Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, senior officials from 35 countries, the Presidents of the European Council and European Commission, the NATO Secretary General, and, joining for the first time, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The gathering followed renewed diplomatic activity by the United States and its allies to secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy and U.S. Secretary of State Rubio briefed participants on the peace discussions held in Geneva on November 23. Leaders expressed “unwavering support to Ukraine and for a just and lasting peace, that the people of Ukraine fully deserve.”

They condemned Russia’s large-scale overnight attacks, which struck residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, and extended condolences to those affected.

Peace Talks Reviewed and Support Reaffirmed

The leaders reiterated support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to end the war. According to a statement from Prime Minister Starmer’s office, officials “underlined that any solution must fully involve Ukraine, preserve its sovereignty, be in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter, and guarantee its long-term security.”

They emphasized that borders must not be altered by force, calling this principle essential for stability in Europe and beyond.

The talks in Geneva were described as showing “meaningful progress,” with both Ukraine and the United States viewing the meeting as a significant step forward. Leaders also welcomed assurances that matters involving European and NATO interests would be handled separately, with full involvement of European partners and NATO allies.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed this sentiment, saying after the call that “in recent days and hours, we have seen solid and encouraging progress.” She stressed the need for strong transatlantic cooperation, adding that such coordination “delivers.”

Security Guarantees and Frozen Russian Assets

A major focus of the meeting was long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. Macron said the “absolute condition for a good peace is a set of very robust security guarantees and not paper guarantees,” noting Ukraine’s history of “promises that were shattered by successive Russian aggressions.”

The Coalition reaffirmed that a future peace must be backed by a credible framework capable of deterring further Russian attacks. Leaders instructed their military authorities to accelerate joint planning with the United States, building on months of preparatory work within the Coalition.

Discussions also centered on financing Ukraine’s reconstruction and defense needs. European officials stressed the urgency of securing long-term funding, including through the “full value of immobilized Russian sovereign assets.”

Von der Leyen noted that the use of frozen Russian assets had become a central point of the EU’s support for Ukraine. Macron told reporters that France and other European partners would intensify work “in the coming days” to channel frozen Russian assets into financial assistance.

European states have been exploring a loan mechanism backed by frozen Russian assets without undermining trust in the banking system or leaving individual countries liable for the funds. President Zelenskyy has also urged allies to “finally channel frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraine’s protection.”

Military Reassurance Force and Deployment Scenarios

Macron stated that France, the UK, or Turkiye could send troops to Ukraine as part of a “reassurance force” once a peace deal is signed. He emphasized that such a deployment would not be under NATO command but rather conducted by an “intergovernmental coalition,” addressing Russian objections to NATO military presence in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy has asked partners to develop “a doable framework for the deployment of the reassurance force to Ukraine of the Coalition of the Willing by signing a relevant memorandum.” Discussions on this framework formed part of the 25 November session.

US Deepens Diplomatic Engagement

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s presence marked Washington’s enhanced role in the Coalition. His participation was welcomed by EU leaders, with von der Leyen noting the importance of transatlantic unity.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of active U.S. diplomacy. On November 24, U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll traveled to Abu Dhabi for negotiations with Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov and a Russian delegation, a visit confirmed by his spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Tolbert. These talks followed earlier negotiations in Geneva involving U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials.

The United States’ initial peace proposal, containing a 28-point framework, sparked controversy in Washington, European capitals, and Kyiv, with critics arguing it offered excessive concessions to Russia.

However, leaders at the 25 November meeting said recent exchanges had brought all parties closer to a viable structure for future talks.

Escalation by Russia Underscores Security Concerns

As diplomatic activity intensified, Russia escalated attacks on Kyiv and launched drones and missiles that violated Moldovan and Romanian airspace on the night of 24–25 November. Von der Leyen said the strikes were “yet another reminder that Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security. Ukraine’s interests are our interests. They are inseparable.”

She added that EU sanctions continued to have a “significant impact” on the Russian economy, limiting resources available for Moscow’s war effort. “Since pressure remains the only language Russia responds to,” she said, “we will continue to increase it until there is a genuine willingness to engage on a credible path toward peace.”

Coalition Commitment Remains Firm

The Coalition’s statement emphasized that financial and military support to Ukraine will continue “as long as Russia refuses to engage on the path toward a just and lasting peace.” Leaders agreed that only sustained pressure, combined with credible security guarantees and robust international backing, can create the conditions for a durable resolution.

The latest meeting reaffirmed the unity of Ukraine’s allies. It highlighted the deepening coordination between European partners and the United States as diplomatic, economic, and military efforts converge toward a comprehensive peace framework.