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Ukraine: 25 leaders meet in Paris as EU fails to pass sanctions package in Brussels
Business Desk · · 30s summary · 3 min read
The essentials
On July 13, 2026, 25 heads of state and government from the Coalition of the Willing—an informal group of countries supporting Ukraine outside formal EU and NATO structures—met in Paris, announcing sustained support for Kyiv and prioritizing Ukrainian air defense strengthening. Simultaneously in Brussels, EU foreign ministers failed to adopt a new sanctions package against Russia. Several member states prioritized commercial interests: Italy and Bulgaria refused to sanction the Kulevi oil terminal in Georgia, which processes and re-exports Russian oil.
- 25 leaders of the Coalition of the Willing met in Paris on July 13, 2026
- Support for Ukraine announced with air defense strengthening as the priority
- Macron mentions joint military exercises between coalition countries and Ukraine
- EU fails to adopt new sanctions package against Russia in Brussels
- Italy and Bulgaria block sanctions against the Kulevi oil terminal in Georgia
On July 13, 2026, 25 heads of state and government from the Coalition of the Willing—an informal ad hoc group of countries supporting Ukraine outside formal institutional frameworks—met in Paris to reaffirm their support for Kyiv. Simultaneously in Brussels, EU foreign ministers failed to adopt a new sanctions package against Russia, according to Handelsblatt.
What we know
The Paris summit is that of the 'Koalition der Willigen,' a German expression meaning 'Coalition of the Willing.' Among the 25 participants is German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
At the conclusion of the summit, the leaders announced their support for Ukraine 'for as long as necessary,' defining the strengthening of Ukrainian air defense as a priority.
French President Emmanuel Macron mentioned the holding of joint military exercises between coalition countries and Ukraine.
we are ready, determined and credible — on land, in the air and at sea
— Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, Paris, July 13, 2026
In Brussels on the same day, July 13, EU foreign ministers failed to adopt a new sanctions package against Russia. Several member states prioritized their commercial interests over support for Ukraine.
One case illustrates this blockade: the Kulevi oil terminal, a port on the eastern coast of the Black Sea in Georgia, which processes Russian oil and exports it to the EU. Italy and Bulgaria oppose placing this terminal on the list of sanctioned entities.
Context
The Coalition of the Willing was launched on March 2, 2025 at a summit in London, at the initiative of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with 18 founding leaders. Its first meeting took place on April 10, 2025 at NATO headquarters in Brussels. The coalition comprised 35 member states as of early 2026.
The initiative aims to maintain military, financial and political support for Ukraine in the face of institutional deadlock due to the unanimity rule within the EU and NATO, amid political instability caused by shifts in U.S. policy.
- February 24, 2022Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine begins. The EU adopts its first coordinated sanctions packages.
- 2022–2026The EU successively adopts new sanctions packages against Russia. Divergences in commercial interests among member states regularly complicate their adoption.
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