Ukraine and nine other countries, including the UK, Germany, and France, announced on Monday their intention to build a shared anti-ballistic missile protection programme for Europe, drawing on Kyiv's experience in repelling Russia's full-scale invasion for over four years.
Joint statement in Paris
“Our goal is to build a shared ballistic missile defence capability for Europe,” the 10 nations said in a joint statement as leaders gathered in Paris for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The coalition also includes Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Spain.
The statement recognised “the growing threat posed by ballistic missiles,” which are more difficult to intercept than cruise missiles or drones. The programme aims to create “an integrated missile defence architecture, to deter and neutralise future missile threats,” and acknowledges “Ukraine’s unique experience, gained through its defence against the war of aggression waged by Russia.” No timeline was provided for the initiative.
UK joins EU support loan for Ukraine
Alongside the defence announcement, the UK signed up to participate in the European Union’s €90 billion (£77 billion) support loan for Ukraine. This move allows British firms to supply more weapons funded by the loan, marking a step toward closer cooperation between the EU and Britain post-Brexit.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “This agreement will help ensure Ukraine gets the support it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression, while backing British defence companies, supporting skilled jobs and strengthening our national security.” The UK will provide “a fair and proportionate contribution to the costs arising from borrowing, commensurate with the value of contracts awarded to UK companies,” according to a joint statement from London and Brussels.
Last month, the EU began disbursing the two-year loan to Ukraine, with an initial €6 billion allocated to boost drone production for Kyiv’s forces. The funds come as Ukraine appears to stabilise the frontline and strike deep inside Russia.
Macron warns against nationalism in defence
French President Emmanuel Macron, after the Paris meeting, announced that the Multinational Force for Ukraine—to be deployed in the event of a ceasefire—will hold exercises in neighbouring countries in the coming months “to validate our deployment plans and demonstrate that we are ready, determined and credible.”
Macron also cautioned European nations against pursuing go-it-alone defence policies. Speaking on the eve of Bastille Day, he said, “Every time we create fragmentation, we may feel good in the moment, but we are creating the delays of tomorrow. Every time we pander to nationalism, in France or elsewhere, we misunderstand our own history. Patriotism, yes; nationalism, never.” His remarks followed the collapse of a Franco-German next-generation fighter jet project due to industrial rivalries, highlighting challenges to joint European rearmament.
