19 January 2026
Europe is considering the Сoalition of the Willing as the basis for a new military alliance without US participation, but with the likely membership of Ukraine.
This was reported by Politico, citing sources among European officials.
Europe is concerned about US President Donald Trump’s policy on Greenland, as well as his threats to impose sanctions on a number of countries.
Many consider this a clear and unprovoked “attack” on allies across the Atlantic.
“I think it’s seen as a step too far. Europe is being criticized for its weakness in front of Trump. There is some truth to that, but there are also red lines,” said an anonymous European diplomat.
The Greenlandic flag flies over the building as the Danish Navy ship HDMS Vaedderen patrols on January 18, 2026, Greenland. | Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Senior European officials increasingly believe that the US is no longer a reliable trading partner and security ally. Therefore, in their opinion, “coordinated steps” must be taken to adapt to the new reality.
Some in Europe find it easy to imagine a future without the US. In particular, this applies to countries that are part of the Сoalition of the Willing and cooperate with Ukraine virtually without Washington’s involvement. These are European Union member states, as well as non-EU countries, including the United Kingdom and Norway.
It is noted that within the coalition, national security advisers from 35 governments maintain regular contact, often meeting online and in person.
According to people familiar with the work of this group, the level of trust within it is high.
It is possible that the Сoalition of the Willing format could potentially become the basis for a new security alliance in an era when the US no longer supports NATO and European security to the same extent as before. The new agreement does not rule out cooperation with America, but it does not take it for granted either.
Ukraine is also part of the Сoalition of the Willing and is currently considered the most militarized country among its members.
Taking into account the military power of France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom, the potential armed force of the Сoalition of the Willing will be significant and will include both nuclear and non-nuclear states.
“Europe is considering the Сoalition of the Willing as the basis for a new military alliance without US participation, but with the likely membership of Ukraine.”
Okay, this is Europe, and there’s the word “considering”, so the combination makes this highly unlikely. But it’s still a nice thought. Of course, having Ukraine in any defensive organization would be the right thing to do and a positive decision, seeing that Ukraine would be the most powerful member.