European leaders met in Paris earlier this month to discuss new ways to support Ukraine as the war with Russia continued. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the meeting along with leaders from more than two dozen partner countries.
Missile defense became one of the main subjects. Ukraine joined a new European effort focused on protection from ballistic missiles, which are among the hardest weapons to stop once launched. Nine other governments signed onto the plan. They came from several parts of Europe, including Scandinavia, western Europe and the south.
The participating countries are France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Ukraine is the tenth member of the group.
Leaders said the project would create a more connected missile defense network across Europe. It is meant to support systems that countries already use or are planning to purchase, rather than replace them. Defense companies also joined parts of the discussion, showing that the plan may involve both government coordination and new technology.
Zelenskyy said protection from ballistic attacks is currently Ukraine’s main defense concern. He presented plans for a program that would bring together political leaders, national security officials and companies capable of building missile defense equipment.
The proposed system has been called Freyja. Ukrainian officials have described it as a European-backed option that could cost less than the American-made Patriot system. They also said it could be developed more quickly. Details about funding and when it could be ready were not provided.
While the talks were happening, Kyiv came under another reported ballistic missile attack. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said air defense crews were working to stop the incoming weapons. Fires were later reported in the city’s Holosiivskyi district.
The attacks came after weeks of increased missile and drone strikes by both Russia and Ukraine. At least nine people were killed on Sunday in attacks reported on both sides of the border.
French President Emmanuel Macron also announced plans for military exercises connected to a possible multinational force for Ukraine. The drills are expected to take place in nearby countries during the coming months. Their purpose is to test how troops and equipment could be moved if the force is eventually needed.
That force would not enter Ukraine while active fighting continues. Its deployment would depend on Russia and Ukraine first reaching a ceasefire.
Other developments added to tensions across Europe. Russia called in Germany’s ambassador in Moscow to protest Berlin’s military support for Ukraine. German officials rejected Moscow’s accusations.
In southern Ukraine, officials said a cargo ship sailing under the flag of Togo was hit while docked in the Odesa region. The vessel had been unloading mineral fertilizer. Three members of the crew died, five were injured, and a fire broke out after the strike.
Ukraine = Green
Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition Members = Blue
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