Leaders of the 'Coalition of the willing' stand by Ukraine, on Paris on Thursday  —AFP

Agencies PARIS

France pledged 2 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine as 30 leaders met in Paris with President Zelenskyy to discuss strengthening Ukraine's position and potential roles in a peace deal with Russia. This third "coalition of the willing" summit, initiated by France and Britain, reflects European concerns about waning US support for Ukraine. Attendees included the British, Polish, and Italian Prime Ministers, the NATO secretary-general, and the Turkish Vice-President.

The summit followed Zelenskyy's agreement to ceasefire talks aimed at restoring US aid and intelligence sharing. US President Donald Trump, in office since January 20, has said he wants to broker a swift end to the war. But bilateral talks between the US and the warring sides have not significantly reduced hostilities.

"First and foremost (we will discuss) the immediate support for Ukraine. It must go on because it is necessary to continue the resistance," President Emmanuel Macron told reporters on Wednesday evening at a press conference with Zelenskyy. He pledged a further 2 billion euros in French military support, including missiles, warplanes and air defence equipment. Zelenskyy said other partners could announce aid packages on Thursday.