10 European Countries Establish a Defense Alliance to Counter Ballistic Missiles

Nine European countries and Ukraine announced on Monday in Paris the creation of a "purely defensive" alliance to develop capabilities to counter ballistic missiles in the continent.

The joint statement issued by Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine stated: "By pooling our defense industrial base, our research capabilities, and our practical expertise, our goal is to develop a shared capability for Europe to counter ballistic missiles."

The concerned countries emphasized that this step "is not directed against any people, but rather to protect our people," according to Agence France-Presse.

Last Friday, the French presidency announced that President Emmanuel Macron would host on Monday the leaders of at least 25 countries for a meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" to increase support for Ukraine and pressure Russia.

The summit coincides with the annual July 14 military parade on the Champs-Élysées to mark the national holiday.

According to a statement from the Élysée, the coalition leaders will focus particularly on cooperation with Ukraine in the field of "air defense and defense against ballistic missiles," including Kyiv's production of weapons on its territory.