Ukraine and nine other countries, including the UK, Germany and France, announced plans to build a shared ballistic missile defence programme for Europe, unveiled as leaders met Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris.
Key facts
- Ukraine and nine other countries issued a joint statement on the plan.
- Participating nations include the UK, Germany and France.
- The stated goal is to build a shared ballistic missile defence capability for Europe.
- The plan draws on Ukraine's experience fighting Russia's invasion for more than four years.
- The statement was released as leaders met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris.
Ukraine and nine other countries, including the UK, Germany and France, have announced plans to build a shared protection programme for Europe against ballistic missiles, according to the Guardian. The initiative would draw on Kyiv’s experience in defending against Russia’s full-scale invasion, which has lasted more than four years.
“Our goal is to build a shared ballistic missile defence capability for Europe,” the 10 nations said in a joint statement on Monday, the Guardian reported.
The announcement came as leaders gathered in Paris for talks with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting brought together representatives of the participating nations to discuss the shared defence effort.
The grouping, described as a “coalition of the willing,” positions Ukraine’s frontline knowledge of missile threats at the centre of a broader European defence project. Kyiv has spent more than four years confronting Russian ballistic and other missile attacks during the invasion.
The joint statement did not, in the details provided, set out a timeline, funding figures or the specific technical components of the planned programme.
Why it matters
A shared ballistic missile defence programme would mark a significant step in European collective security, pooling resources and expertise across major powers. By drawing on Ukraine's battlefield experience, the coalition signals a shift toward integrating Kyiv into long-term European defence planning.
Frequently asked questions
Which countries are involved in the programme?
According to the Guardian, Ukraine and nine other countries are involved, including the UK, Germany and France. The statement was issued by 10 nations in total.
What is the goal of the initiative?
The nations said their goal is to build a shared ballistic missile defence capability for Europe, using Ukraine's experience fighting Russia's invasion.
Where and when was the plan announced?
The plan was set out in a joint statement on Monday as leaders met Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy for talks in Paris, the Guardian reported.