Neighboring countries of Ukraine will host military exercises in the coming months as part of planning for a multinational force intended to deploy after a ceasefire with Russia, Emmanuel Macron announced Monday in Paris.
The French president made the statement at a press conference following the Volunteer Coalition summit, which brought together representatives from 37 nations and was attended by Volodymyr Zelensky, German chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British prime minister Keir Starmer. The maneuvers will take place on land, at sea and in the air to demonstrate that allies are “prepared, determined and credible” in their support for Kyiv.
Macron clarified that the mission will be “purely defensive” and will not serve as a mechanism to monitor a cessation of hostilities. Its objectives will be to ensure the durability of any ceasefire, support the rebuilding of Ukraine’s armed forces, and facilitate the resumption of maritime traffic and air links. Military planning has already been completed under the coordination of participating chiefs of staff, and the headquarters is working to translate these guidelines into operational capabilities.
Coalition members — including Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain — stated that the Multinational Force for Ukraine (MNF-U) “is ready to operate and act to regenerate Ukrainian forces and provide security to Ukraine within its territory.”
On a bilateral level, the president confirmed a roadmap with Kyiv that includes the provision of Rafale aircraft and associated weapon systems to modernize Ukraine’s combat aviation. Initial deliveries are expected between 2028 and 2029, while pilot training will begin in the coming months, together with the delivery of new missile batteries, radars and ammunition to strengthen the country’s air defenses.
At the same time, the European Union is preparing a new sanctions package aimed at the Kremlin’s banking and financial sectors, its military‐industrial complex, and the networks used to evade current restrictions. Macron also outlined strengthened operations against the so‐called “ghost fleet” used to export hydrocarbons outside sanctions. Spain, the United Kingdom and Sweden will continue to expand these measures alongside France; a ministerial meeting will be held in Paris in September to coordinate the next steps.
“The history of our continent has taught us the consequences of yielding to aggression, and we will not make that mistake again,” Macron warned, describing support for Kyiv as “an investment in European security.”
The July 14 Bastille Day parade will include representatives of the Volunteer Coalition and Ukrainian military personnel as a sign of that cooperation. European Council president António Costa also said that on the same day a new negotiation cluster in Ukraine’s EU accession process will be opened.
(With information from EFE and Europa Press)