Ten countries in Paris said they will build a shared ballistic missile defense capability for Europe, drawing on Ukraine’s four years of experience countering Russian attacks.
The plan reflects rising alarm over ballistic missiles, which the group said are harder to intercept than cruise missiles or drones, and Zelenskyy’s push to strengthen defenses before winter strikes on power and heat systems.
No timeline was given, and the coalition said it remains open to more members; Ukrainian officials used the Paris meeting to pitch an Anti-Ballistic Program to leaders, advisers and defense companies.
Trump’s pledge last week to let Ukraine produce Patriot systems could help Kyiv, but officials and experts say turning that into operational capacity would likely take years.
The announcement came as Putin vowed retaliation several times stronger for recent Ukrainian strikes, underscoring Europe’s wider concern that Russia’s missile threat extends beyond Ukraine.
As Ukraine awaits domestic Patriot production, can its current air defenses withstand Russia's onslaught?
Ukraine's drone strikes cripple Russian oil. Is this economic warfare the key to victory?
2026 Paris Summit: 35-Nation Coalition Unveils €90 Billion Aid, Air Defense Expansion, and Security Guarantees for Ukraine
Overview
On July 13, 2026, Ukraine's allies gathered in Paris to reinforce unity and strengthen Ukraine's air defense in response to ongoing Russian aggression. This summit followed a recent government reshuffle in Ukraine and new support commitments from a NATO summit. The coalition of the willing, now over 35 states, aims to provide legally binding guarantees and sustained support for Ukraine. The meeting focused on building a comprehensive missile defense system and ensuring long-term security, highlighting the coalition's resolve to stand with Ukraine against repeated threats and to coordinate robust international backing for its defense.