Macron rallies allies in Paris to boost Ukrainian air shield amid Russian attacks
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron (photo: Getty Images)
A major meeting of the Coalition of the Willing leaders will take place in Paris ahead of Bastille Day. Heads of state and government will gather to coordinate military and strategic support for Ukraine, Euronews reports.
Summit details, attendees
According to the media, the meeting will be held at the Hôtel national des Invalides on Monday, July 13. The coalition, created by France and the United Kingdom, has now expanded to 37 countries.
This time, new members Moldova and North Macedonia will join the discussions for the first time. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also expected to be in Paris on Monday and Tuesday.
As an adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron said, the main goal of the summit is to demonstrate Western unity and show Moscow that allies have not developed "war fatigue."
The meeting is expected to solidify agreements reached at recent G7 and NATO summits in Évian and Ankara, where Ukraine was promised €70 billion in military assistance for 2026.
Air defense, security guarantees
Coalition members will focus on strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities. Discussions will include the creation of a comprehensive missile defense system and details of the US plan to establish licensed production of Patriot missiles directly in Ukraine.
Another key issue will be security guarantees in the event of a hypothetical ceasefire. France says plans to deploy a multinational mission force (away from the front line) are already "ready," although they are still "subject to change."
The guarantees would be based on legally binding bilateral agreements, with the United States participating in monitoring compliance with any ceasefire.
Bastille Day parade
Immediately after the summit, the leaders will attend the annual military parade on July 14. This year's event will be larger, involving nearly 6,800 service members—15% more than last year.
The march will be led by 500 troops from countries belonging to the Coalition of the Willing, while Ukrainian soldiers have already rehearsed carrying the national flag along the Champs-Élysées.
The air segment of the parade will feature the Patrouille de France aerobatics team, along with two Mirage fighter jets flown by Ukrainian pilots who completed training in France.
Military aid for Ukraine, Paris meeting
Earlier, France announced a new major meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, with Volodymyr Zelenskyy expected to attend. In Paris, leaders from at least 25 countries plan to discuss strengthening defense support for Kyiv and new steps to pressure Russia.
Meanwhile, European partners are seeking additional financial tools to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces. It was recently reported that Ukraine will purchase weapons from the United Kingdom using an EU-backed loan. The sides have already reached the final stage of approving the agreement, which would allow defense purchases to be financed directly from British companies.
