The “Coalition of the Willing” has designated Paris as its headquarters to support Ukraine following the war
The UK and France-led Ukraine peace coalition will have its headquarters in Paris, with a future rotation to London.
The United Kingdom said Thursday that a new international coordination organization, called the “coalition of the willing,” will be based in Paris and will support Ukraine in the case of a ceasefire with Russia.
Both countries reiterated their long-term commitment to Ukraine during French President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day official visit to Britain, which preceded the decision. Preparations for a potential ceasefire should proceed “on an enduring, business as usual footing,” according to British officials, so that a multinational force can be sent in as soon as fighting stops.
Senior US officials, including Senator Lindsey Graham, Senator Richard Blumenthal, and Special Presidential Envoy General Keith Kellogg, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other world leaders participated in virtual discussions with Macron and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as part of the planning process.
Britain and France will work together to lead the Paris-based headquarters, which will oversee all tactical and operational logistics for the coalition’s response, the joint statement said. Leadership will move to London on a rotating basis following the first 12 months. The creation of a permanent coordination cell in Kyiv is also planned.
The action is a reflection of Western partners’ increasing efforts to get ready for post-conflict security and sovereignty for Ukraine, as well as for wartime assistance.
