The situation in Ukraine is at a critical stage, following some bizarre statements and behaviour coming out of the White House at the end of last week. Europe's leaders met at a summit in London on Sunday 4 March to wrest the initiative back.
Ukraine summit in London on 4 March [France 24]
The so-called “coalition of the willing”, is the name given by UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer to those nations which are in a position to further the four aims of the summit meeting in London without delay.
Which countries are in the “coalition of the willing”?
The UK and France have already confirmed their commitment.
Spain had already made a significant commitment at the conference in Kyiv two weeks ago, although they currently have no further plans to commit funding.
Norway indicated before the London Summit on 4 March that they would be on board.
Summit meeting at Lancaster House [The Guardian]
Germany too, according to outgoing chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Countries that border Russia will be especially keen to join the coalition, with the exception of Hungary. Their autocratic president Viktor Orban is a pal of Vladimir Putin. “Kick Hungary out of the EU,” I say!
It was interesting that Turkey was represented – not EU members of course and never likely to be with their human rights record, but clearly concerned about Russia to their north.
Canada was also at the summit, which was good to see. They have been heavily involved in training Ukrainian volunteers.
The Baltic States were conspicuous by their absence. A reason was given but this commentator didn’t understand the reasons. Nevertheless, they must be “quaking in their boots” if Putin decides to invade more former Soviet territories.
Ii is understood that Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are fully on board and intend to commit to the "coalition of the willing".
Map of Europe [Wikipedia]
The UK's position
Sir Keir Starmer is quite clear about what the UK government will contribute straightaway. In his remarks ahead of the summit he declared:
“Three years on from Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, we are at a turning point. Today I will reaffirm my unwavering support for Ukraine and double down on my commitment to provide capacity, training and aid to Ukraine, putting it in the strongest possible position.”
In the press conference following the summit meeting, Starmer confirmed that the European powers must realise it is “not a moment for more talk, it is time to act.
"Every nation must contribute ..... in the best way that it can, bringing different capabilities and support to the table, but all taking responsibility to act, all stepping up their own share of the burden.
Starmer Press Conference [UNITED24 Media]
The following steps were agreed:
"First, we will keep the military aid flowing and keep increasing the economic pressure on Russia to strengthen Ukraine now.
“Second, we agreed that any lasting peace must ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, and Ukraine must be at the table.
"Third, in the event of a peace deal, we will keep boosting Ukraine’s own defensive capabilities to deter any future invasion.
“Fourth, we will go further to develop a 'coalition of the willing' to defend a deal in Ukraine and to guarantee the peace.”
Whilst acknowledging that "not every nation will feel able to contribute but that can’t mean that we sit back. Instead, those willing will intensify planning now with real urgency.”
He stated quite clearly that the UK will put "boots on the ground" and planes in the air.
“Europe must do the heavy lifting.”
France
The details of France’s commitment were not made clear in any detail, but they are believed to be similar to those of the UK. Emmanuel Macron is fully committed to taking the lead with Starmer.
Macron was the first foreign leader to be invited to the White House, where the signs were of a positive “relationship” with Trump.
Emmanuel Macron [El Correo]
France has the largest standing army in Europe and is also a fully independent nuclear power.
Spain
It is being reported that Spain is not on board.
However, the fact that arguably Spain was “first out of the blocks”, announcing increased support last month, surely means it is indeed part of the “coalition of the willing”.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced in Kyiv on Feb. 24 during the “Support Ukraine” summit, that Spain will deliver a new 1 billion euro ($1.04 billion) military aid package to Ukraine in 2025.
Spain and Ukraine will also set up the “House of Ukraine” in Torrevieja (Alicante).
This centre will cater to the needs of the Ukrainian community in Spain.
Pedro Sánchez [Agencia EFE]
The “House of Ukraine” will become one of four Reception, Attention, and Referral Centres (Creade) set up by the Spanish government, alongside those in Madrid, Barcelona, and Málaga.
“House of Ukraine”
The decision to place the “House of Ukraine” in Torrevieja is no coincidence. Before the war, the city already had a significant Ukrainian population.
Over the past two years, Ukrainians have become the largest foreign community in Torrevieja, with 9,500 registered residents. They outnumber the Russian and British communities, which are also well-represented.
Local schools have adjusted to the growing Ukrainian population. Since February 2022, additional teachers have been assigned to help Ukrainian students. In schools 14 and 15, the entire class consists of Ukrainian children. These students share classrooms with many Russian students, as Torrevieja is also home to around 6,000 Russian residents.
[Image courtesy of Facebook]
Further updates will be made as soon as they are confirmed by individual nations in the coming days.
© Paul Whitelock
Photos and images:
Agencia EFE, El Correo, Facebook, France 24, The Guardian, UNITED24 Media, Wikipedia
Acknowledgements:
Bing, El Confidencial, EWN, Le Figaro, MSN,
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