Western allies gathered in Paris on Monday, July 13th, 2026, to reaffirm support for Ukraine and intensify pressure on Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was joined by at least 25 other leaders for a meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing," focusing on air and missile defense cooperation with Ukraine.

The meeting follows a recent NATO summit aimed at demonstrating transatlantic unity and long-term backing for Ukraine. Western allies are seeking to secure additional air-defense commitments as Ukraine faces shortages that have left it vulnerable to Russian ballistic missile attacks.

Russia launched missile and drone strikes on Ukraine on Saturday, July 11th, resulting in eight deaths and dozens of injuries, according to officials. Zelensky called for accelerated delivery of weapons to Kyiv.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated in an interview that "the ballistic missiles launched by (Russian President) Vladimir Putin are deliberately targeting civilian zones," noting June as one of the deadliest months since the war began.

A French presidency official briefed reporters that the coalition's focus includes anti-ballistic-missile cooperation, sourcing more US Patriot interceptors, advancing deployment of the Franco-Italian SAMP-T air defense system, and exploring how European and Ukrainian defense industries can develop alternatives.

The coalition may also announce joint military exercises to advance the concept of a future multinational force in Ukraine (MNFU). The official emphasized that the MNFU encompasses land, air, sea, and training components, all intended to be continuously tested with all participants to ensure credibility. However, it was clarified that these exercises would not be conducted within Ukraine.

This gathering represents a coordinated effort to establish a common position toward Russia and to provide security guarantees supporting any eventual peace deal.

Sources