Ukraine, Nine European Nations Launch Ballistic Missile Defense Coalition

Ukraine, Nine European Nations Launch Ballistic Missile Defense Coalition

Ukraine and nine European countries have announced a new coalition aimed at strengthening Europe’s defense against ballistic missile threats.

The agreement was unveiled in Paris during talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leaders from Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

In a joint statement, the 10 countries said their goal is to develop a shared ballistic missile defense system for Europe, drawing on Ukraine’s experience in defending itself against Russian missile attacks since the full-scale invasion began more than four years ago.

The leaders said the growing threat from ballistic missiles requires a coordinated European response and described the proposed defense network as an integrated system designed to deter and counter future missile attacks. They also noted that other countries would be welcome to join the initiative.

The announcement came as President Zelenskyy sought greater military support from European allies, particularly to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses ahead of winter, when Russia has previously intensified attacks on critical infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Moscow would respond with stronger retaliation to recent Ukrainian long-range strikes on Russian fuel facilities and other strategic targets.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the new coalition, describing it as a group determined to prolong the conflict rather than pursue peace.

At the same time, Ukraine claimed its forces struck more than 100 Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov over an eight-day period as part of efforts to disrupt Russian military logistics around the occupied Crimean Peninsula. The claims could not be independently verified, and Russia did not immediately comment.

The Paris meeting, attended by leaders from more than 30 countries, underscored Europe’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine as the war with Russia continues.