Countries neighboring 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 on Monday in Paris.
The French president made the statement at a press conference at the end of 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 said the mission will be “purely defensive” and will not function as a mechanism to monitor the cessation of hostilities; instead it will seek to ensure the ceasefire’s durability, support the rebuilding of Ukraine’s armed forces, and facilitate the resumption of maritime traffic and air links. Military planning is already complete, coordinated by the chiefs of staff of the participating countries, and the headquarters is working to translate those guidelines into operational capabilities.
In that vein, coalition members — Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain, among others — said 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 the bilateral level, the president confirmed a roadmap with Kyiv that includes the integration of Rafale aircraft and associated weapons systems to modernize Ukraine’s combat aviation. Initial deliveries are scheduled between 2028 and 2029, while pilot training will begin in the coming months, along with the provision 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 package of sanctions targeting the Kremlin’s banking and financial sectors, its military‐industrial complex, and the networks that enable evasion of existing restrictions. The president also detailed the strengthening of operations against the so‐called “ghost fleet” used to export hydrocarbons outside those measures. Spain, the United Kingdom and Sweden will continue to expand those actions alongside France; in September, Paris will host a ministerial meeting 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, calling support for Kyiv “an investment in Europe’s own security.”
The parade on Tuesday for the July 14 National Day will include representatives of the Volunteer Coalition and Ukrainian military personnel as an expression of that cooperation. European Council President António Costa also announced that the same day a new negotiation cluster will open in Ukraine’s EU accession process.
(With information from EFE and Europa Press)