Nine European countries and Ukraine announced the creation of a coalition on Monday to develop strictly defensive anti-ballistic capabilities in Europe, citing a growing threat from ballistic missiles.
“We believe that protecting Europe requires a comprehensive, integrated missile defense architecture to deter and defeat future missile threats,” reads the joint declaration signed by Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
According to the statement, by combining the signatories’ defense industries, research, and operational experience the goal is to build a shared anti-ballistic capability for Europe. The countries emphasized the initiative is defensive, “not directed against any people,” and highlighted Ukraine’s particular experience, noting its air defenses have faced repeated Russian ballistic missile attacks in recent weeks.
The announcement was made during a summit in Paris where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with allies to reaffirm support for Ukraine and to press Russia for a ceasefire and negotiations, which remain stalled. The meeting of the “Coalition of Volunteers” — launched by France and the United Kingdom after Russia’s 2022 invasion — was attended by at least 25 heads of state. Some of those leaders will remain in Paris to take part in the July 14 national parade, which this year will emphasize support for Ukraine.
The United States, which this month authorized Ukraine to operate Patriot air defense systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, is not part of the coalition. The French presidency said the summit takes place at a moment of “transatlantic unity” and more favorable dynamics for Ukraine on the ground. French minister Jean-Noël Barrot outlined three objectives for the meeting: strengthen support for Ukraine, particularly in air defense; increase pressure on Moscow with a 21st package of European sanctions; and prepare for peace by defining the security guarantees needed to prevent future aggression.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Europe is “on its way to becoming a power” prepared to defend itself, and affirmed that peace is the goal while stressing the willingness to defend freedom and the rule of law. The coalition will also work to establish a Multinational Force for Ukraine to be deployed after the war; French authorities said an operational headquarters already exists and that joint military exercises are planned.
The Kremlin described the coalition as “warmongering.” Spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused the group of seeking to “prolong the war” and warned that Russia would closely monitor their actions. The summit coincided with renewed fighting: Ukrainian drone and artillery strikes killed four people in Russia since Sunday night, while three sailors were killed in Ukraine when a Togo-flagged vessel unloading mineral fertilizers was attacked.