Western allies are set to intensify efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses as leaders gather in Paris on Monday for a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, amid growing concerns over Kyiv’s dwindling missile interceptor supplies and Russia’s escalating aerial campaign.
The meeting, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and at least 25 international leaders, comes just days after the NATO summit, where allies sought to demonstrate long-term unity in support of Ukraine. Discussions are expected to focus on securing additional air defense systems, advancing defense cooperation and shaping security guarantees that could underpin any future peace agreement with Russia.
A key priority will be addressing Ukraine’s critical shortage of interceptors capable of destroying Russian ballistic missiles. According to French officials, participants will assess options ranging from sourcing additional U.S.-made Patriot interceptors to expanding deployment of the Franco-Italian SAMP-T air defense system.
Leaders are also expected to examine ways for European countries and Ukraine’s defense industry to jointly develop alternative anti-ballistic missile capabilities. One proposal under consideration would see several European nations cooperate on a new system that complements existing Patriot and SAMP-T platforms while giving Ukraine a significant manufacturing role.
The renewed focus follows an increase in Russian missile and drone attacks. Ukrainian officials said strikes on Saturday killed eight people and wounded dozens more, prompting Zelenskiy to renew calls for faster weapons deliveries. France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Russian ballistic missile attacks were deliberately targeting civilian areas, describing June as one of the deadliest months since the start of the war. Russia denies targeting civilians, maintaining that it strikes only military-related objectives.
Alongside military support, coalition members will discuss further measures to reduce Russia’s revenues, including action against the so-called “shadow fleet” used to transport Russian oil. The European Union is also expected to approve its 21st sanctions package against Moscow next week.
French President Emmanuel Macron has said Monday’s meeting will include several announcements, including bilateral initiatives that could involve joint arms production. Leaders are also expected to discuss multinational military exercises outside Ukraine as part of preparations for a future multinational force designed to support the country’s long-term security. French officials stressed that any exercises would not take place on Ukrainian territory.
EU Approves €120 Million for Moldova’s Air Defense
Separately on Monday, the European Union approved a €120 million assistance package to strengthen Moldova’s air defense capabilities under the European Peace Facility.
The funding is intended to enhance the country’s armed forces as Moldova continues to face security concerns linked to Russia’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine. Moldovan authorities said last November that Russian drones had entered the country’s airspace.
Bordering both Ukraine and EU member Romania, Moldova has long balanced political forces favoring closer ties with either Europe or Russia. Relations with Moscow have deteriorated significantly since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
