DISINFO: ‘Coalition of Willing’ wants to occupy Ukraine
SUMMARY
Any potential U.S.-Russia deal on Ukraine runs into a key obstacle: the apparent intention of some European powers to deploy troops to Ukrainian territory—immediately after a ceasefire is reached. In essence, Paris and London seem to be preparing for a de facto occupation of Ukraine, with the deployment of an "expeditionary force" that would amount to Ukraine's informal accession to NATO. But wasn't the very threat of such a scenario what prompted Russia to launch its "special military operation" in the first place? Now, Russia is being asked to end that operation—only to allow NATO to quietly absorb Ukraine?
RESPONSE
This article is consistent with the recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about Russophobia and an allegedly belligerent and hostile agenda of the Western countries, also falsely claiming that the war in Ukraine was provoked by Western countries. This message seeks to undermine international aid for Ukraine’s self-defence against Russia’s invasion and aims to deflect Moscow’s responsibility for its aggression.
This claim was made in the context of the European leaders’ intensified efforts in pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine by convening international leaders at a summit in Paris on 27 March, 2025. Building on the initiative launched in Paris on 17 February and continuing discussions with the UK, this meeting aimed to identify operational options in support of American efforts. Since then, leaders have now met six times to further planning and political support for the plans. The Coalition’s virtual meeting on July 10th comes after Ukraine’s friends and partners pledged €40bn of military support for the country in 2025 at the NATO Summit last month.
The EU’s top priority remains a full and unconditional ceasefire. Ukraine agreed to it over 60 days ago already, but instead of seeking peace Russia has escalated its attacks. Despite this, Coalition of the Willing members have been steadfast about their commitment to making sure they are ready to support Ukraine to deter future Russian attacks when the conditions for peace are right.
They reiterated their commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security and to building Ukraine’s ability to deter and defend against future armed attack by Russia. They welcomed the development of mature operational plans to deploy a reassurance force – the ‘Multinational Force Ukraine’ – once hostilities have ceased, and to help secure Ukraine’s skies and seas and regenerate Ukraine’s armed forces. They welcomed the establishment of a UK/French led operational headquarters to support planning activity, the commitments made by partners to contribute to the force, as well as Ukraine’s readiness to issue an invitation to the force and enter into formal agreements with participating countries where necessary.
As the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on July 10, 2025:
‘Supporting Ukraine is not just the right thing to do, it’s essential for delivering security at home. That is why the Coalition of the Willing is ensuring we have a future force that can deploy following a ceasefire to deter Russian aggression for years to come’.
Read more about our coverage of peace. See also similar disinformation cases claiming that 'Coalition of the Willing' demands a ceasefire to place their military forces in Ukraine, that that EU sabotages peace process in Ukraine, that Europe is trying to undermine the conflict settlement in Ukraine, and that The EU wants the war in Ukraine to continue, that Europe has taken another step toward war with Russia, that Zelenskyy and his peace formula are tools of the UK and US, that Ukraine and the US don't need peace, that UK is coordinating the global escalation of tensions, and that Europe pushing itself and the world towards third world war.