It includes 35 countries, among them Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. It is not yet known who will attend the meeting in person or remotely, but advisers to the French president say the coalition’s composition remains unchanged.On October 21, advisers from the Élysée Palace said the meeting would focus on increasing pressure on Russia, agreeing on security guarantees for Ukraine, and coordinating EU defense initiatives.New sanctions package and Reparation loanThe 19th package of sanctions against Russia has been finalized, according to a press release from the EU Foreign Affairs Council. Its approval is expected later this week within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing.“The package includes a ban on imports of liquefied natural gas, new restrictions on the so-called “shadow fleet” that evades the embargo through third countries, and sanctions against companies and intermediaries that help circumvent existing restrictions.”At the same time, work continues on the Reparation loan mechanism, which would allow the use of profits from frozen Russian assets held in European banks.This does not involve confiscation, but the temporary mobilization of revenues to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction and strengthen its defense capabilities.The Élysée Palace emphasizes that these measures must be based on international law, with risk-sharing among G7 partners and a priority for the European defense industry.Drone wall and European defense coordinationDuring discussions on the Defence 2030 project in Paris, it was emphasized that the Drone wall initiative is seen not as a physical barrier, but as a network of integrated anti-drone systems, joint developments, and training exercises capable of responding to modern threats.European structures are focusing their efforts on five areas:Air and missile defense;Artillery systems and munitions;Cyber and electronic warfare;Drones and counter-drone systems;Military mobility and space surveillance.Ceasefire only along the front lineThe Élysée Palace confirmed the joint position set out in the declaration of EU and allied leaders, signed by France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Poland, Norway, Finland, Portugal, Denmark, and the European Commission: “International borders cannot be changed by force.”At the same time, Paris clarified that any ceasefire is only possible based on the current front line.According to French advisers, this is a technical, not political, formulation—a way to lock in the status quo without recognizing territorial changes.The idea is to halt hostilities without compromising the principle of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.Energy security as part of defenseThe EU has agreed to gradually phase out Russian gas by 2028, while oil imports have already fallen to less than 3% of 2022 levels.Despite this, Russian gas still accounts for about 13% of the EU’s energy imports, equivalent to over €15 billion per year.This is seen as a key vulnerability in European security, which countries aim to address through:joint energy purchases and coordination of reserve capacities;investment in restoring and modernizing power grids;development of renewable energy sources — solar, wind, hydrogen, and biomethane;support for Ukraine’s energy resilience through the creation of a joint European-Ukrainian energy hub.As stated by the Élysée Palace, reducing dependence on Russian resources is a strategic component of the EU’s security.Two directions of security guaranteesParis continues to reaffirm a two-tier model of support for Ukraine:1. Strengthening the Armed Forces of Ukraine through weapons supplies, training, funding, and winter readiness.2. Preparing a multinational second-tier force that could carry out stabilization or peacekeeping functions after a ceasefire.According to European leaders, such a balanced intervention is intended to ensure a real presence of the allies in the security field without crossing into direct confrontation with Moscow.“We do not recognize border changes, but we must stop the fighting”This statement became Paris’s main diplomatic signal ahead of the London summit. The Élysée Palace emphasizes that Europe seeks to stop the war by increasing political, economic, and military pressure, while acting within international law.Especially for EspresoAbout the author. Albina Cheperys, journalist and communications specialistThe editorial team does not always share the opinions expressed by the blogs or column authors.