A meeting of the Coalition of the Willing will take place in Berlin on 19 November, focusing on three tasks. The participating countries will co-ordinate assistance, reaffirm their readiness to provide Ukraine with security guarantees after a ceasefire, and align their actions as part of diplomatic efforts.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this on 3 November at a joint briefing with the Ukrainian president in Berlin. He stressed that Ukraine’s European partners are sending Russia a clear signal: the time has come to bring the war to an end.
“A local ceasefire in Oleshky could serve as an example for agreements to halt attacks on the energy sector and in the Black Sea,” he said.
Russia, through its attacks in the Black Sea, is creating the threat of a global food crisis that would hit the most vulnerable countries, the German chancellor added.
He stressed that Europe must take part in the peace process. As long as the aggressor is not ready for peace, Europe will increase pressure on it.
He underlined that supporting Ukraine is in Germany’s interests, and that “most Germans” understand this.