Nine European countries and Ukraine announced on Monday the creation of a coalition to develop “purely defensive” antiballistic capabilities across the continent, citing a growing ballistic missile threat.
“We believe that protecting Europe requires a comprehensive solution of an integrated missile defense architecture to deter and defeat future missile threats,” reads the joint statement signed by Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
The statement adds that by combining the signatories’ defense industrial bases, research and operational experience, the aim is “to build a shared antiballistic capability for Europe.” The countries stressed that the initiative “is not directed against any people, but in self-defense,” and pointed to Ukraine’s “unique experience,” whose air defenses have faced repeated Russian ballistic missile attacks in recent weeks.
The announcement came during a summit in Paris, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met on Monday with Kyiv’s allies to reaffirm support and press Russia for a ceasefire and peace talks, which are currently stalled. At the meeting of the “Coalition of Volunteers” — launched by France and the United Kingdom after the 2022 Russian invasion — at least 25 heads of state attended. Some will remain in Paris to take part in the Bastille Day military parade on July 14, which this year will emphasize support for Ukraine.
The United States, which this month authorized Ukraine to build Patriot air defense systems capable of shooting down ballistic missiles, is not part of the coalition. The French presidency emphasized that the summit takes place at a moment of “transatlantic unity” and “more favorable dynamics for Ukraine on the ground.” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot outlined three goals for the meeting: strengthen support for Ukraine “especially in air defense,” increase pressure on Moscow with a 21st package of European sanctions, and prepare “peace and define the security guarantees” needed to prevent another Russian aggression.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Europe is “on the way to becoming a power” ready to “defend itself,” and stated: “Yes, peace is our objective. Yes, we value freedom and the rule of law. And yes, we are willing to fight to defend them. Always, and with blood if necessary.” The coalition will also advance the creation of a Multinational Force for Ukraine, to be deployed once the war ends; French authorities said it already has an “operational general staff” and that joint military exercises will be planned.
The Kremlin, for its part, called the coalition “warmongering.” Spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused the group of wanting “to continue the war” and warned: “These are countries that carry out hostile actions against Russia, so we will watch them very closely.” The summit takes place amid renewed hostilities on the ground: Ukrainian drone and artillery strikes killed four people in Russia since Sunday night, while in Ukraine three sailors were killed in an attack on a Togolese-flagged ship unloading mineral fertilizers.