A new initiative is on the table, a “Coalition of the Willing,” led by the UK and France, that could see European boots on the ground in Ukraine, potentially as peacekeepers, if a ceasefire is reached.

After the much-publicized spat between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European leaders have scrambled to reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine. So, what exactly does this coalition entail? Who’s in, who’s out, and what does it mean for the future of the war in Ukraine?

What Is the ‘Coalition of the Willing’?

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken the lead in pushing for a European-driven solution to Ukraine’s defense and post-war security. His idea, a “Coalition of the Willing” is a group of nations ready to support Ukraine, possibly with peacekeeping troops, without the constraints of NATO vetoes.

Starmer believes Europe must step up and take the lead in defending Ukraine, rather than relying solely on U.S. support. Hence, by forming this coalition, Europe would present a united front, offering a comprehensive peace deal to a second-term Trump administration in the U.S.

Interestingly, the phrase “Coalition of the Willing” isn’t new. It was famously used during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, when countries like the UK and Poland joined forces with Washington outside of the NATO framework. This time, the term is being repurposed to describe a European-led military and diplomatic effort.

Why Not NATO?

The reason for bypassing NATO is simple – several NATO members, such as Slovakia and Hungary, are aligned with Russia-friendly policies and could veto any NATO-led peacekeeping mission. By forming a coalition outside of NATO, the willing countries can move forward without being blocked by dissenting voices.

Additionally, Russia has outright rejected any NATO or European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, making any official NATO involvement a geopolitical flashpoint.

Who’s In?

Starmer has remained cautious about revealing exactly which countries are part of this coalition, but several nations have shown strong interest. The UK and France are leading the initiative, given their military strength and nuclear capabilities.

Other likely members include –

The Baltic States (Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia): These nations have been among Ukraine’s staunchest supporters and share direct borders with Russia, making their involvement almost inevitable.

Finland: Having joined NATO recently and sharing a long border with Russia, Finland has a vested interest in Ukraine’s security.

Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed mixed reactions but could align with France and the UK in the coalition.

Canada: Though not a European nation, Canada is a NATO member and has signaled openness to peacekeeping contributions.

French President Emmanuel Macron had previously floated the idea of sending French troops to Ukraine, and this initiative aligns with that vision.

Who’s Out?

While some European heavyweights are stepping up, others are opting out, either due to domestic constraints or strategic concerns.

Germany: Despite being Europe’s largest economy and a key military power, Germany has been hesitant to send troops to Ukraine. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz has ruled out such a move, and the new government’s stance remains unclear.

Poland: Although Poland has one of the strongest European militaries, its leadership has explicitly stated that it won’t send troops to Ukraine. Instead, it will focus on providing logistical and political support.

Spain: The Spanish government has deemed troop deployment premature and has instead prioritized diplomatic efforts to achieve peace.

America Halts Ukraine Aid

The elephant in the room is, of course, the biggest contributor to NATO – the United States. The U.S. military is not only the largest in the world but also plays a crucial role in logistics and support for allied troops. While Europe as a whole has pledged more financial aid to Ukraine, the U.S. remains the single biggest donor up until now.

In the latest President Donald Trump is ordering a pause on shipments of US military aid to Ukraine.

Still, the “coalition of the willing” initiative seems designed to show Trump that Europe is serious about shouldering more of the defense burden. However, the latest spat between Trump and Zelenskyy has created a rift, with the Kremlin seizing the moment to claim that Western unity is crumbling.

Zelenskyy, however, remains defiant, arguing that Ukraine needs global strength to force Russia to end its attacks. The war continues to escalate, with over 1,050 drones, nearly 1,300 bombs, and more than 20 missiles launched at Ukraine in just one week.

Zelenskyy to Meet Trump Again?

Despite the heated confrontation between Trump and Zelenskyy at the White House, the Ukrainian leader has expressed willingness to meet with Trump again—if the U.S. president is open to a “serious” discussion.

However, Trump has been critical of Zelenskyy, accusing him of prolonging the war and relying too heavily on U.S. support. Trump’s latest remarks have only added to the uncertainty about America’s continued backing for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, even as Zelenskyy has hinted that Ukraine might be open to a natural resources deal with the U.S.; Zelenskyy finds himself in an impossible position—one that could define not just his presidency but Ukraine’s very survival.

On the surface, the “Coalition of the Willing” should be a welcome development for him. Europe is finally stepping up, led by the UK and France, to offer a security guarantee outside the bureaucratic constraints of NATO. It signals that Ukraine is not being entirely abandoned, even as Trump’s America grows increasingly hostile.

But is Zelenskyy truly happy about it? That’s unlikely.

No US, No Full Security – No matter how much Europe pledges, the reality is without the United States, Ukraine’s war effort is significantly weaker. The US provides the majority of NATO’s military muscle, advanced weaponry, and logistical support.

Europe acting alone may be enough for deterrence, but it’s not a replacement for Washington’s backing and Zelenskyy knows this.

Also, there are other pains to consider –

Risk of Provoking Russia – The presence of European troops as peacekeepers sounds reassuring, but it could backfire. If Putin sees this as an escalation rather than a deterrent, he might double down instead of backing off. Ukraine is still outgunned, and a new influx of Russian offensives could make things worse before they get better.

A Weak Bargaining Position – The Oval Office confrontation with Trump left Zelenskyy bruised. Trump publicly questioned his commitment to peace, and Europe’s reaction—scrambling to fill the gap—only reinforces how dependent Ukraine remains on external actors. If Zelenskyy accepts the “Coalition of the Willing” plan, he risks acknowledging that Ukraine’s security is now primarily in European hands, rather than being backed by the full might of NATO.

What This Means for Zelenskyy’s Political Career

Politically, Zelenskyy is still the face of Ukraine’s resistance, but he’s also facing growing fatigue at home. His approval ratings have dropped as the war drags on, and many Ukrainians are wary of any deal that doesn’t ensure total security. If the “Coalition of the Willing” leads to a stable ceasefire, he could regain support. If it falters, he could be blamed for relying on unreliable allies.

What This Means for Ukraine

The coalition is a step forward, but it’s not enough to guarantee Ukraine’s future. Without US backing, Ukraine remains vulnerable, and Russia knows it. A ceasefire may come, but a lasting peace is far from certain.

If this coalition moves forward, Ukraine will lean even more heavily on European powers. That could bring economic and security benefits, but also risks making Ukraine a battleground for European strategic interests rather than an independent actor.

The last Bit. Will Zelenskyy Accept It?

He may have no choice. The coalition gives him something to work with, and he can present it as a win for Ukraine’s sovereignty. But it’s not the outcome he wanted. He knows that without firm US support, Ukraine’s future remains uncertain and his leadership will be tested like never before.

While diplomatic tensions remain high, there is still an effort to find common ground. European leaders are working to keep the U.S. engaged, and despite the latest disputes, Trump has suggested that a minerals deal with Ukraine might still be on the table.

The coming weeks will be crucial. Will the coalition of the willing become a reality? Can Europe and the U.S. find a unified approach to ending the war? And most importantly, will Ukraine receive the support it needs to stand against Russian aggression?