Ukraine's foreign minister: seven countries offered to host leaders meeting as of now

Ukraine's foreign minister: seven countries offered to host leaders meeting as of now

France is set to host a virtual meeting on Thursday, September 1, involving 30 countries to discuss their efforts to provide Ukraine with post-war security support. The meeting, which will take stock of recent planning by army chiefs, underscores the lack of progress in direct talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy [1].

The coalition of willing countries, led by France and Britain, has been working since February to define plans for military support to Ukraine. However, these efforts have stalled due to the lack of U.S. security guarantees. The meeting aims to address this issue and explore how European countries can contribute to Ukraine's security without U.S. backing [1].

In a separate development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is currently on a diplomatic drive to secure security guarantees from the Nordic-Baltic countries. Leaders from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden are meeting with Zelenskiy in Copenhagen to discuss how these countries can support Ukraine both on the frontline and in the negotiating room [2].

The meeting in Copenhagen is part of Zelenskiy's broader efforts to ensure Ukraine's security post-war. He has emphasized the need for continued military support and an international force to reassure Ukraine. However, European leaders have made it clear that such a force would only be feasible with U.S. participation [2].

Meanwhile, the diplomatic manoeuvring continues as Russia's assault in eastern Ukraine intensifies. Russia claims to have captured strategic cities and launched a sweeping air campaign, while Ukraine reports civilian casualties and infrastructure damage [2].

The meeting in Paris and Copenhagen highlights the international community's commitment to Ukraine's security. However, the lack of U.S. participation and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine pose significant challenges to achieving a lasting peace and security guarantees for the country.

References:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-backers-discuss-post-war-guarantees-thursday-summit-2025-09-01/
[2] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/3/zelenskyy-on-security-guarantees-shuttle-as-fighting-rages-in-ukraine-war