London fears breakup of ‘coalition of the willing’ after French elections

The United Kingdom acknowledges that France could leave the coalition of the willing if Marine Le Pen or Jean-Luc Mélenchon wins the 2027 presidential election.

This was reported by The Daily Telegraph, citing sources.

According to the newspaper, neither Le Pen nor Mélenchon supports the current President Emmanuel Macron’s course of strengthening the military and his anti-Russian policy. London acknowledges that a new French leader could call into question the future of the coalition of the willing, as well as intelligence sharing between member states.

In this regard, discussions are under way in diplomatic circles among NATO member states about who could take France’s place as one of the leading powers providing financial assistance to Ukraine. Germany is currently being considered for this role.

The coalition of the willing, inspired by France and the United Kingdom, unites more than 30 countries. The coalition’s members support the provision of military aid to Kyiv and allow for their participation in a possible peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.

The first round of the French presidential election will be held on April 18, 2027. If none of the candidates receives more than 50% of the vote, the leading contenders will take part in a second round on May 2. Emmanuel Macron will not be able to run in 2027 upon the expiration of his second presidential term.