PARIS (France): Ukraine’s allies pledged stronger military support and enhanced air defence for Kyiv at the 16th Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris on Monday, while also preparing plans for a multinational force to be deployed after a future ceasefire.
The meeting, attended by representatives from 37 countries, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, was co-hosted by France and the United Kingdom to coordinate continued support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would supply Ukraine with 16 Rafale fighter jets, with the first expected to enter service between 2028 and 2029.
He also pledged next-generation SAMP/T air defence systems to help counter intensified Russian ballistic missile attacks.
Macron said the planned Multinational Force for Ukraine would conduct military exercises in neighbouring countries in the coming months to test deployment plans and demonstrate readiness once a ceasefire is reached.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged an end to what he described as “pointless bloodshed”, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for allies to “double down” on support as Ukraine seeks to regain momentum on the battlefield.
Britain also joined the European Union’s €90 billion (about RM418.18 billion) support loan for Ukraine and, together with the EU, announced new sanctions targeting Russian cyber actors.
Separately, 10 European nations, including France, Germany, Britain and Ukraine, launched a new coalition to develop defensive anti-ballistic missile capabilities for Europe.
Zelensky welcomed the initiative, describing stronger missile defences as essential to ending the war.
Addressing France’s armed forces ahead of Bastille Day celebrations, Macron said Europe was becoming a power capable of defending itself and reaffirmed its commitment to peace, freedom and the rule of law.
The Kremlin dismissed the Paris gathering as a “coalition of warmongers”, accusing participants of seeking to prolong the conflict.
Despite continued fighting, Macron and other leaders pointed to renewed alignment with the United States following recent G7 and NATO summits.
While Washington is not part of the coalition, it has authorised Ukraine to manufacture US-designed Patriot air defence systems and is considering tougher measures against countries purchasing Russian energy.
Zelensky welcomed the latest commitments, calling the summit “a historic day” for Ukraine and its allies. – AFP
