Diplomacy & Geopolitics
Ukraine allies to meet in Kyiv on Independence Day
Countries allied with Ukraine in its war with Russia will meet Monday to reaffirm support for Kyiv in talks held on Ukraine's independence day, the French presidency said.
The Coalition of the Willing meeting will be co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron, who will join by video link, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, the Elysee Palace said.
An EU official said around 10 leaders, including European Council chief Antonio Costa, will be in Kyiv for the coalition meeting. NATO said Deputy Secretary-General Radmila Shekerinska would take part remotely.
The meeting comes as Moscow has increasingly targeted the Ukrainian capital with ballistic missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday urged a global response to what he called Moscow's “escalation” of the four-year war.
The Coalition of the Willing was launched by France and the United Kingdom to provide military support to Ukraine after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. In July, representatives of its 37 members, including Zelensky, gathered for the coalition's 16th meeting.
During that meeting, allies announced more air-defence support for Kyiv, as well as exercises for a force to be deployed after a ceasefire as part of efforts to increase pressure on Russia to end the war.
Update
European Council chief Antonio Costa is among around 10 leaders expected to be in Kyiv, according to an EU official.
NATO said Deputy Secretary-General Radmila Shekerinska would take part remotely.
The meeting comes as Moscow has increasingly targeted Kyiv with ballistic missiles.
Volodymyr Zelensky urged a global response to what he called Moscow's escalation of the war.
At a July coalition meeting, allies announced more air-defence support for Kyiv and exercises for a force to be deployed after a ceasefire.
Source note: AFP news report published on 21 August 2026 at 14:22:44 UTC.
Update
The meeting will be held symbolically on Ukraine's independence day.
The Coalition of the Willing meeting will be co-chaired by Emmanuel Macron by video link, Friedrich Merz and Andy Burnham.
It will be the first time the new British prime minister Andy Burnham co-chairs the meeting.
An EU official said around 10 participants will be in Kyiv for the independence day celebrations.
Source note: AFP news report published on 21 August 2026 at 13:57:59 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The full list of leaders expected to attend in Kyiv was not supplied.
The source describes a force to be deployed after a ceasefire, but does not say a ceasefire has been agreed.
Source
AFP news report published on .