Prime Minister Janez Janša: The Coalition of the Willing in Paris confirms increased support for Ukraine

Prime Minister Janez Janša and French President Emmanuel Macron | Author KPV

He also expressed regret that this sentiment had taken so long to emerge, stating that had a similar degree of determination been present four or even three years ago, the war would have ended long ago, Russia would have been compelled to negotiate, and Europe could have focused on developmental issues.

In their joint statement, the member states emphasised that the peace process must be based on international law, that decisions concerning Ukraine cannot be made without Ukraine, and that European security issues cannot be addressed without the involvement of Europeans. Hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, the meeting focused on three key points: an immediate and complete ceasefire, the resumption of direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, and increased pressure on Moscow. The countries announced that they would continue to provide Ukraine with military, financial and civilian assistance and increase the delivery of air defence systems, interceptors and long-range capabilities. They will also develop additional anti-ballistic capabilities. They also agreed to tighten sanctions against Russia further, prevent their circumvention, and take more coordinated action against the Russian shadow fleet.

The participants further agreed that long-term peace would only be possible with politically and legally binding security guarantees for Ukraine once a ceasefire is in place. According to the coalition, the Multinational Force for Ukraine is ready to help rebuild Ukraine's defence capabilities on land, in the air and at sea once a credible cessation of hostilities has been established.