A high-level summit on Ukraine’s security took place in Paris on Thursday, September 4, 2025, as Russia issued fresh threats against Britain.
Former Russian President and Kremlin Security Council deputy chairman Dmitry Medvedev warned that Moscow could seize British property in response to London’s ongoing support for Kyiv.
The comments, seen as reflecting President Vladimir Putin’s stance, raised tensions just as European and allied leaders sought to strengthen commitments to Ukraine.
The Paris meeting—known as the “Coalition of the Willing”—brought together President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and leaders from Canada, Australia, Japan, and others.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff attended in person, with former President Donald Trump expected to join by phone later in the day.
Discussions focused on drafting a framework of long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, including advanced weapons deliveries, intelligence sharing, and air defense systems.
Macron said the technical work was ready and that “political decisions” were now needed, while NATO chief Mark Rutte warned Europe must prepare for years of confrontation with Russia.
Medvedev’s warning to Britain followed reports that London could channel profits from frozen Russian assets into support for Kyiv.
He threatened that if this occurred, Moscow might confiscate British-owned property in Russia, calling it a proportional countermeasure. Analysts view the move as part of a broader Kremlin strategy to deter Western backing for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to call for stronger guarantees. President Zelenskyy pressed allies in Paris to avoid “hesitation fatigue,” stressing that the country’s survival depends on reliable and enforceable commitments, not symbolic statements.
The summit outcome is expected to be a joint declaration of intent, though concrete measures may be delayed until the U.S. position is clarified.
Trump’s participation, coming ahead of November’s High Court challenge in the UK over Russian asset use, could shape how far Washington is willing to go in binding commitments.