France and the United Kingdom held a coalition meeting to discuss peace and security in Ukraine
In Paris and London, defense ministers from 30 countries discussed ways to support Ukraine and create conditions for a sustainable and just peace, without final decisions.
In France and the United Kingdom, a meeting was held involving defense ministers from 30 countries, as well as representatives from the European Commission, the EU Council, and NATO.
The talks included UK Defence Secretary John Healey and French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The main goal of the meeting was to develop a joint strategy for securing a sustainable and just peace in Ukraine.
According to Healey and Lecornu, Ukraine’s security is inseparable from Euro-Atlantic security.
Over the past month, hundreds of military experts have been working on a detailed plan under the leadership of the British and French Chiefs of Defence. This continues the initiatives outlined at summits by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Discussions focused on potential contributions by nations in terms of military, technical, and logistical resources. The goal is to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and protect it from renewed Russian aggression.
The statement also notes that specific details will remain confidential until conditions for a ceasefire are in place.
The coalition will meet regularly to coordinate actions, increase support for Ukraine, and pursue a real peace. Russia is being urged to agree to an unconditional ceasefire.
On April 11, a separate meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group was held at NATO headquarters in Brussels, for the first time under the leadership of the UK and Germany.
In the "Ramstein format", defense ministers from 50 countries agreed to provide Ukraine with military aid totaling €21 billion ($23.8 billion).
UK Defence Secretary John Healey and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius emphasized that deliveries will be felt as early as this year. Germany promised Ukraine IRIS-T air defense systems, guided missiles, drones, Leopard 1A5 tanks, Marder IFVs, air defense systems, and artillery.
The UK will contribute £350 million for drones, mines, radars, and equipment maintenance.
Healey accused Vladimir Putin of hypocrisy, noting that despite claiming to want peace, Russia continues its attacks.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also joined the meeting virtually.