Coalition of the Willing backs Ukraine ceasefire
On 24 October 2025, the UK Prime Minister and France's President Emmanuel Macron co-chaired a virtual meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, joined by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Leaders restated support for Ukraine through a tough winter and the goal of a just, lasting peace, the UK Government said.
They welcomed President Zelenskyy's support for a full, unconditional ceasefire. By contrast, they noted President Vladimir Putin has rejected a ceasefire, escalated attacks on civilians and infrastructure, and recklessly violated NATO airspace. That contrast framed the urgency of the talks.
If you are meeting the term 'Coalition of the Willing' for the first time, think of it as an ad hoc group of nations that choose to act together on Ukraine. It is not a formal alliance like NATO or the EU, but a practical coordination space where countries align policies and timings.
Leaders said they fully supported President Trump's comments that the current 'line of contact' should be the starting point for any talks. The line of contact is the front line as it stands today. They also reaffirmed support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the rule that borders must not be changed by force.
Economic pressure is set to increase. Countries resolved to take further steps to remove Russian oil and gas from global markets, end any remaining imports into their territories, and deter third countries from trading in Russian energy that funds the war. They welcomed recent United States action in this direction.
You will also hear more about the 'shadow fleet'. This refers to tankers that conceal ownership, insurance or destination to move Russian oil outside price caps and oversight. Leaders agreed fresh measures here: more sanctions, discouraging engagement with these ships, better information-sharing, and readiness to use regulatory and interdiction powers, with closer coordination to maximise impact.
On funding, governments signalled an intent to meet Ukraine's pressing financial needs in 2026–2027, exploring ways to use the full value of immobilised Russian sovereign assets so Ukraine can defend its territory and rebuild its armed forces. 'Immobilised' means assets frozen by sanctions cannot be moved; the proposal would be in addition to existing bilateral military aid, which they said would not diminish.
The statement strongly condemned Russia's campaign to destroy Ukraine's energy and gas infrastructure, a strategy designed to cause a humanitarian crisis. Countries agreed to back Ukraine's energy resilience by providing urgent help to protect and rebuild energy systems, and to continue additional military support, including air defence.
Looking ahead, leaders reiterated plans for robust security arrangements so Ukraine can deter and defend against future attack. They confirmed that plans are in place to deploy a Multinational Force Ukraine once hostilities have ceased, to help secure Ukraine's skies and seas and support the regeneration of Ukraine's armed forces.
When you read official communiqués like this, focus on what leaders 'welcomed', 'resolved' and 'agreed' and on the time markers they use. This 24 October statement signals a push on ceasefire terms, energy pressure and post-war security support. The test now is whether these commitments turn into action before winter bites.