Approximately 30 countries will participate in Thursday’s emergency video conference on Ukraine as the international coalition supporting Kyiv attempts to maintain unity despite growing tensions over peace negotiations. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will join leaders from the “coalition of the willing” nations to discuss his revised peace framework and coordinate responses to President Trump’s initiative, which has received enthusiastic support from Moscow but alarmed many European partners. The meeting represents a critical test of whether Ukraine’s international support network can withstand American pressure for rapid peace on terms favorable to Russia.
The coalition meeting comes after contentious Wednesday consultations between Trump and European leaders including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Trump acknowledged “strong words” during these discussions and warned Europeans against “wasting time” with additional meetings, suggesting fundamental disagreements about strategy. The American president set preconditions for US participation in a proposed weekend summit, creating uncertainty about whether Washington will remain fully engaged in the diplomatic process it initiated.
European members of the coalition have been working to develop security guarantees for Ukraine independent of American commitments, recognizing that Trump’s proposals may lack adequate protections against future Russian aggression. However, the credibility of European security assurances remains questionable given the continent’s historical reliance on American military capabilities and political backing. The challenge for coalition members involves balancing support for Ukraine with maintaining transatlantic relationships during a period when American leadership questions the value of traditional alliances.
Thursday’s meeting will focus on Zelenskyy’s updated peace proposal, which the Ukrainian president submitted to US negotiators Wednesday. Zelenskyy emphasized fundamental questions about compelling Russia to stop attacks and preventing future invasions, framing concerns that resonate more strongly with European partners than with the Trump administration. The Ukrainian leader posted on social media that this week could bring significant developments while stressing that peace has no alternative, though the path to achieving sustainable peace remains deeply contested among coalition members.
The coalition’s unity faces its greatest test as Russian forces continue advancing on the battlefield while Moscow embraces Trump’s diplomatic initiative. Russian officials have praised the American president’s approach enthusiastically, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov describing Trump as the only western leader who understands what made the conflict “inevitable.” President Putin personally hosted White House envoys for five hours of Kremlin discussions, signaling serious Russian interest in proposals that reportedly include Ukraine surrendering control of the entire Donbas region. As military realities shift in Russia’s favor and American commitment wavers, coalition members must decide whether to continue supporting Ukraine’s resistance or accept unfavorable peace terms that reward Russian aggression.
