The ‘coalition of the willing’ is moving toward renewed unity in foreign policy

Translated by Valeria D’Alessandro

In the past few hours, after weeks of proposals and negotiations, European leaders from the so-called ‘coalition of the willing’ visited Kyiv in an effort to formalize an official and unambiguous ceasefire proposal.

This marks a fundamental and much-needed step—one repeatedly emphasized by President Zelensky himself—as a means to initiate serious and credible peace negotiations. The proposal calls for an unconditional ceasefire on land, at sea, and in the air, lasting 30 days and set to begin on Monday, the 12^th.

As anticipated, this decision was agreed upon with the European leaders who visited Ukraine—including Macron, Merz, Starmer, and Tusk—as well as the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who participated remotely. Notably, the proposal was also supported by the Trump administration, which in recent weeks has repeatedly expressed strong irritation with Russia’s stance. Moscow appears determined to undermine any attempt at negotiation[1].

According to the latest statements, the United States is expected to supervise this temporary truce, with support from European allies, in order to facilitate the transition toward a credible mediation process between the parties. Most importantly, based on emerging information, should the ceasefire be violated—or worse, should no agreement be reached due to Russia’s unwillingness to cooperate—a mutually agreed-upon plan would involve further tightening sanctions against Moscow.

A real threat—made even more dangerous by the shift in U.S. policy, which, since the beginning of Trump’s administration, had maintained an open attitude toward the Russian government. That dialogue has completely cooled off following the most recent failed attempt at mediation[2].

It is also worth noting that diplomatic activity was already underway in Europe in the days leading up to the visit. This is further evidenced by the signing of the Nancy treaty between France and Poland, which aims to strengthen cooperation in defense, civil nuclear energy, and technological innovation. This agreement is politically and economically significant, and notably, for the first time, opens the door to potential collaboration in the area of nuclear deterrence.

This is an important step that reflects a willingness to adapt established frameworks in response to current geopolitical circumstances. It appears that the country is prepared to extend its “nuclear umbrella” to a strategic ally in the area, showing openness to Poland’s long-standing request[3].

From the start of the Trump administration, to shifting U.S. engagement in NATO, to growing expectations that the EU and other countries take on greater responsibility—particularly in the context of Ukraine—it has been clear for months that the geopolitical landscape is changing. A period of political transition is underway, and there is no indication that it will end soon.

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