A new alliance of international partners, informally called the “Coalition of the Willing,” is forming to provide expanded support for Ukraine as it continues to face Russian aggression. This coalition is made up of 31 countries, many of which are also part of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, but it distinguishes itself through a greater willingness to directly assist on Ukrainian soil, including through potential peacekeeping deployments.

This initiative emerged following a high-profile summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in March 2025. Eighteen leaders attended, and the result was a four-point strategy to support Ukraine more assertively. The plan emphasizes continued military aid, increased sanctions on Russia, and, crucially, the formation of a multinational reassurance force that could eventually operate in Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron has been one of the more vocal supporters, suggesting this peacekeeping-style force could be operational in a matter of weeks. The force would not be engaged in combat but would be positioned to secure key infrastructure and signal Western commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that deeper, multilateral talks will be held with key partners to determine the composition and role of the potential foreign troop presence. Discussions are expected to cover not just land forces, but also air and maritime support, aiming to create a layered, multinational security guarantee.

However, the initiative faces obstacles. Some European leaders have expressed hesitancy due to logistical challenges and the lack of U.S. backing. The Biden administration has thus far refrained from endorsing the idea of deploying Western troops to Ukraine, citing the risk of direct confrontation with Russia.

Russia, meanwhile, has accused coalition members like France and the UK of plotting military intervention disguised as peacekeeping. This has heightened tensions and forced coalition leaders to carefully manage the diplomatic messaging around their plans.

Despite these concerns, the coalition continues to evolve. It reflects Europe’s growing push to take more responsibility for its own security, especially in light of past uncertainty over U.S. commitments to NATO and Ukraine.

Whether this coalition will ultimately send troops to Ukraine remains to be seen. But its very existence shows a new phase in the West’s response to the war—one that includes not only weapons and money, but potentially boots on the ground, in a post-war peacekeeping role.