On February 24, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron is set to convene the Coalition of Willing nations. The meeting aims to reinforce the collaborative military efforts of over 30 countries committed to ensuring peace in Ukraine.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced the gathering during a press briefing prior to a European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting on February 23. He stated,
“Tomorrow in Paris, the President of the Republic will gather the Coalition of Willing to further advance the historical work undertaken by over 30 countries that have united their military forces to guarantee peace in Ukraine.”
Barrot characterized the outcome for Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “bitter and humiliating failure” four years into the conflict. He noted that the Russian military currently controls less than half of the territories it seized in the spring of 2022. Furthermore, he described Russia’s current military gains as minimal and achieved at a significant human cost.
According to Barrot,
“Since the beginning of the war, Russia has lost over a million personnel, surpassing the total losses of Russia and the Soviet Union since 1945. Today, Vladimir Putin and his army are losing approximately 1,000 soldiers per day on the front lines.”
He also pointed out that the Russian economy is entering a phase of recession, with the state treasury facing severe depletion. Many regions are experiencing fuel rationing, and citizens are encountering disruptions to telephone services and mobile applications.
Barrot reaffirmed the commitment of international partners to continue supporting Ukraine while intensifying pressure on Russia. He stated,
“The 20th sanctions package is ready; the question is not whether it will be adopted, but when it will happen. From this perspective, everyone must uphold their commitments.”
On the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, France will host a meeting of the Coalition of Willing nations to strengthen military cooperation. French officials highlighted significant losses for Russia and ongoing support for Ukraine amid economic challenges in Russia.