Leaders of the Coalition of the Willing, meeting in Kiev , pledged to increase military support for Ukraine, strengthen air defense as an urgent priority, and intensify sanctions against the Russian military-industrial complex , which has already lost at least $495 billion since 2022.
This is what is stated in the final statement of today's meeting released by the British government. Meanwhile, preparations for the Multinational Force for Ukraine continue, ready to deploy after the cessation of hostilities, and the call for a ceasefire along the line of contact has been renewed.
"Italy is determined to work alongside its international partners to promote a negotiated path towards a just and lasting peace," said Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, participating via video link in the meeting of Coalition leaders, convened to coincide with the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence.
During the summit, Palazzo Chigi explains, "the leaders agreed on the need to strengthen the effectiveness of the sanctions regime and counter any attempts to circumvent it, in order to further weaken Moscow's war machine."
"We must bear in mind that Russia will escalate tensions with European countries to dissuade them from providing assistance to Ukraine," French President Emmanuel Macron said. He added: "I would like to reiterate here my solidarity with all my colleagues who have been targeted or are being targeted in recent weeks. It is clear that NATO countries will be targeted and that provocations will multiply. We must continue what we have begun to do within NATO to ensure a resolute position."
Macron himself announced: "Large-scale exercises will be conducted by our coalition in October and November," which "will demonstrate its operational readiness and ability to act once hostilities have ceased." Government sources, however, have stated that "Italy will not participate in the 'Willing' exercises announced by the French president," noting that this choice is in line with Italy's position, reiterated several times in recent months by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, of "no to Italian soldiers" in Kiev.
(Unioneonline)