Ukraine shouldn't rely too much on loosely defined coalition – international studies expert

This opinion was shared by Ihor Todorov, professor at the Department of International Studies and Public Communications and director of the Center for International Security and Euro-Atlantic Integration at Uzhhorod National University, during a broadcast on Espreso.

"I think several factors are in play here. I’d like to say that the very fact these steps are happening is, of course, welcomed. But I’d still warn against placing too much trust in this coalition, which isn’t yet clearly structured. There are a number of weaknesses. First, the American leadership, Europe, and NATO have long relied on the nuclear umbrella — though not only that. We know that traditionally, the commander of the Joint Forces in Europe has always been an American four-star general," he said.

According to Todorov, Europe has become too relaxed due to its long-standing reliance on the U.S. for security.

"I’d say we've heard talk of setting up European forces under the EU's common security and defense policy. But in reality, there haven't been any concrete moves. The thinking is: why bother, if most EU countries are also NATO members, and NATO already handles those functions. But now we’re seeing some real turbulence around the U.S. role — and so far, we’ve only heard talk of building something new," the professor noted.

What is the Coalition of the Willing, and who’s in it?

The Coalition of the Willing is a group of countries that have pledged to support Ukraine in its war with Russia and to help establish peace. Many have stated they’re ready to send peacekeeping troops or at least allow for such a possibility. The coalition was announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer after a summit of 18 world leaders in London on March 2, 2025.

The initiative is aimed at reinforcing European support for Ukraine amid shifting U.S. policies and at laying the groundwork for a long-term peace deal to end the Russian-Ukrainian war. The UK and France are leading the effort. The coalition includes several EU countries, the EU itself, and others outside both NATO and the EU. There’s no official list, but countries likely involved include: France, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Baltic states (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia), the Netherlands, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Spain, Denmark, Romania, Norway, Finland, Turkey, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others.

Notably, a Coalition of the Willing summit was held in Paris on March 27, organized by French President Emmanuel Macron.