On 13 July in Paris, Ukraine officially presented its Anti-Ballistic Programme at a meeting with leaders, national security advisers and representatives of defence companies from partner countries. France announced its intention to provide Ukraine with additional air defence systems and to conduct joint military exercises. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with Emmanuel Macron, whilst Ukrainian military personnel took part in the Bastille Day parade.
Briefly about the main points
- Ukraine presented its Anti-Ballistic Missile Programme in Paris on 13 July.
- France has announced its intention to supply Ukraine with additional air defence systems.
- Joint military exercises between France and Ukraine have been announced.
- Macron announced an expansion of defence support for Ukraine.
- The details of the programme and the level of support are not being disclosed at this stage.
Presentation of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Programme in Paris
On 13 July, the official presentation of Ukraine’s Anti-Ballistic Missile Programme took place in Paris. The event brought together leaders, national security advisers and representatives of defence companies from partner countries. The priority of the meeting was the development of a multi-layered defence system against ballistic missiles, in response to growing threats from Russia.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy He emphasised that this was the first meeting at this level at which specific steps towards the development of a new anti-ballistic missile system had been discussed. The Ukrainian delegation presented the main thrusts of the programme to its partners, although the technical specifications and details are not being disclosed at this stage.
Support from France and new defence initiatives
During the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing President of France Emmanuel Macron announced new defence initiatives, including joint military exercises with Ukraine. France announced its intention to provide additional air defence systems and to support the development of joint missile defence technologies.
Macron emphasised that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security, and that France is ready to take the lead in supporting Ukraine. Representatives of defence companies from France and other countries expressed their readiness to engage in technological cooperation with Ukraine.
The Coalition of the Willing: Format and Prospects for Cooperation
The Coalition of the Willing is a framework for cooperation between Western countries to support Ukraine in the field of security and defence. The main focus is on developing missile defence and air defence systems, which are of strategic importance for the protection of Ukrainian infrastructure.
Joint exercises and new defence initiatives could strengthen Ukraine’s integration into the European security system. However, it will take time to put these measures into practice, and no specific agreements regarding the scale of assistance or the timetable have yet been made public.
The diplomatic and cultural context of the visit
In addition to defence matters, during her visit to France, Ukraine’s First Lady held a meeting with the new Director-General of UNESCO. They discussed issues relating to strategic partnership and the expansion of cooperation within the organisation’s mandate.
Ukrainian military personnel took part in the parade to mark France’s national holiday — Bastille Day — in a symbolic gesture of gratitude to France for its historical support.
Possible implications for Ukraine’s defence sector
The presentation of the Anti-Ballistic Programme in Paris could provide a boost to attracting new investment and technology to Ukraine’s missile defence sector. At the same time, the lack of published details regarding the programme’s technical specifications and the scale of the assistance suggests that negotiations are ongoing.
Joint exercises and closer cooperation with France could strengthen Ukraine’s position within the European security framework; however, the practical implementation of these initiatives will take time and require further agreements.
