Paris to Host 'Coalition of the Willing' Summit: Focus on Ukraine's Air Defense

On Monday, July 13, French President Emmanuel Macron will host a meeting of the 'coalition of the willing' in Paris, where the main agenda will be strengthening Ukraine's air defense and developing anti-ballistic missile systems. This was reported by Euronews, citing sources.

The meeting takes place a day before the Bastille Day celebrations on July 14, which will be attended by at least 25 heads of state or government to discuss support for Ukraine. Two new countries – Moldova and North Macedonia – are expected to join this format.

In Paris, allies aim to reinforce a "renewed sense of unity and cooperation" in support of Ukraine, as confirmed at the recent G7 summit in Évian and the NATO summit in Ankara, where Alliance countries pledged 70 billion euros in military aid to Kyiv in 2026. An advisor to the French president stated that the goal is to show that partners continue to support Ukraine and that Moscow cannot rely on European war fatigue.

Leaders will focus on cooperation in air defense, particularly on recently announced US plans for licenses to produce Patriot systems in Ukraine. They will also discuss the creation of a missile defense system. Regarding security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a hypothetical ceasefire, the Élysée Palace says plans for deploying multinational forces are "ready," but they may be adjusted given that the prospect of a cessation of hostilities still seems distant.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to be in Paris both on Monday and Tuesday. On July 14, he will attend the Bastille Day military parade, which will also include Ukrainian troops. This year's parade will be the last for President Macron before he leaves office, providing him an opportunity to emphasize political support for Ukraine.