British Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened a virtual meeting with approximately 25 global leaders on March 15, 2025, to establish an international coalition focused on maintaining a ceasefire in Ukraine. This initiative occurs as Russia considers a 30-day ceasefire proposal from the United States.
Starmer, however, expressed doubts regarding Russia's sincerity towards this peace initiative. Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron initiated the Coalition of The Willing, aimed at ensuring Ukraine's security and preventing ceasefire violations by Russia. The coalition will concentrate on increasing economic pressure on Russia in the short term and supporting lasting peace in the long term.
Discussions included enhancing military aid to Ukraine amidst intensified Russian operations. Several Commonwealth nations, along with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa, participated in the meeting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed discussions with Macron regarding the technical aspects of implementing a ceasefire.