10-nation coalition to build shared European anti-ballistic missile defence programme

Ukraine and nine other countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, plan to build a shared protection programme against ballistic missiles, leveraging Ukraine's experience from more than four years of Russia's full-scale invasion.

In a statement on Monday, the 10 nations said their goal is to create a shared ballistic missile defence capability for Europe. The announcement came as leaders met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for talks in Paris.

During the meeting, the UK also signed up to participate in the EU's €90 billion support loan for Ukraine, allowing British firms to supply more weapons funded by the loan. French President Emmanuel Macron 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 deployment plans and demonstrate readiness.

Zelenskyy arrived in Paris keen to accelerate efforts with European countries to develop Ukraine's air defences ahead of winter, when Russia typically intensifies attacks to cut off electricity, heat, and water. He asked several European leaders to join in developing measures against Russia's missile strikes.

The coalition, which also includes Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Spain, recognized the growing threat from ballistic missiles, which are harder to intercept than cruise missiles or drones. The programme will involve an integrated missile defence architecture to deter and neutralise future threats. No timeframe was given.

Macron warned European countries against pursuing national defence policies in isolation, saying fragmentation creates delays and nationalism undermines collective efforts, in his annual address to the French armed forces on the eve of Bastille Day.