"Coalition of the Willing"
The restoration of Ukraine's economy through EU integration is important, but it does not replace reliable security guarantees from the US and the Coalition of the Willing. The Kremlin is trying to blame Ukraine for delaying the peace process, despite its own unwillingness to compromise.
A senior American official said that security guarantees from the US, not European ones, are crucial for Ukraine. The US will not send troops, but will provide satellite, intelligence, and logistical support.
President Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian army, with its extensive combat experience, could become the foundation of Europe's united forces. He emphasized that financial support for the military is needed to preserve its personnel potential after the war.
European countries are discussing the creation of alternative security formats, such as a "coalition of the willing," due to the weakening role of the United States. Ukraine, with its unique experience of modern warfare, is a key component of European security.
European countries, including Norway, Germany, Poland, and the Baltic states, are actively preparing for a potential war with Russia by increasing defense budgets and strengthening infrastructure. Some states, like Norway, are considering the possibility of confiscating civilian property for defense needs.
The White House has not yet scheduled a bilateral meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Davos. Zelensky is seeking a personal meeting, but the reluctance to hold it comes from the White House.
Donald Trump stated that Denmark had ignored NATO's warnings about security risks in Greenland for 20 years. Now, the US must resolve this issue on its own.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that a US invasion of Greenland would make Putin the happiest man, legitimizing his invasion of Ukraine. Such a move would be a death sentence for NATO, Sánchez emphasized.
Donald Trump's threats regarding Greenland have caused outrage in Europe, which could lead to a "divorce" from America. European officials are considering creating a new alliance without the US, using a "coalition of the willing" to support Ukraine as a basis.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi discussed with partners the formats of their countries' participation in the implementation of security guarantees for Ukraine. The discussion also covered strengthening sanctions against Russia and military assistance to Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron reacted to the US decision to impose tariffs on European countries over their stance on Greenland. He stressed that Europe would act together if these measures were confirmed.
A year ago, Ukraine relied primarily on American intelligence capabilities. Today, France provides two-thirds of these capabilities.
European governments are pressuring the EU to appoint a negotiator to represent their interests regarding Ukraine. They fear that the US will make a deal with Russia behind their backs.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may meet with US President Donald Trump next week at the economic forum in Davos. Kyiv's G7 allies may also join the meeting to secure personal support for security guarantees for Ukraine.
The Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces, Richard Nason, stated that he would not send troops to Ukraine without certainty of their safety. He emphasized that there is no zero risk in operational conditions.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stated that Ukraine should not de jure abandon its territories, as this would be a reward for the aggressor. He recalled that the Coalition of the Willing initially proposed a ceasefire, followed by an agreement.
Norway will allocate a $400 million aid package to Ukraine. According to Zelenskyy, "this is very important and will truly support our people."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that after the development of a peace plan and security guarantees for Ukraine, Russia must demonstrate its interest in ending the war. The 20-point peace plan was discussed by Zelenskyy and Trump in 2025.
French President Emmanuel Macron has presented a plan to deploy 6,000 French troops in Ukraine after a peace agreement. The troops would be stationed far from the front to support the Ukrainian army.
Great Britain is allocating $270 million to prepare units for a possible mission in Ukraine. The funds will be used to modernize transport, communication systems, and drone defense equipment.
Ukraine and the United States plan to sign an $800 billion agreement for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Details are expected to be finalized in Davos between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey signed a roadmap for defense partnership. They also discussed preparations for the February 'Ramstein' meeting.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the deployment of troops and military facilities of partners in Ukraine would be considered as foreign intervention. Russia views this as a direct threat to security and will consider such facilities legitimate military targets.
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who is negotiating with Washington on Russia's war against Ukraine, was in Paris on January 7. He was seen on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and was also received at the US Embassy.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the country's possible participation in monitoring a peace agreement or truce in Ukraine. Slovakia is ready to cooperate in non-military areas, but will not send soldiers or provide weapons.
Great Britain and France plan to send up to 15,000 soldiers to protect Ukraine after a peace agreement is concluded. This number is significantly less than the initial proposals, which is due to limited resources.
UK Defense Minister John Healey will visit Kyiv in the near future. He will discuss long-term support for Ukraine with weapons and possible ceasefire monitoring.
Political scientist Stanislav Zhelikhovsky explained what peacekeeping forces would mean for Ukraine and how effective they would be. He emphasized that it is fundamentally important for Kyiv not to be left alone with Russia in the post-war period.
A clear US commitment to support Ukraine has been removed from the text of the joint statement adopted in Paris. Instead, the US commits to supporting forces in the event of an attack and providing intelligence and logistical assistance.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that future security guarantees do not involve extending a "nuclear umbrella" to Ukraine. Discussions focus on troop contingents, ground, air, and sea defense, air defense systems, and strengthening and additional funding for the army.