Europe launches missile shield coalition as Russia threat grows

Ukraine and allies launch missile defence coalition to shield Europe

Ukraine and nine European nations have announced a new coalition aimed at developing a continent-wide ballistic missile defence system, as concerns grow over Russia's long-range missile capabilities.

The agreement was unveiled in Paris during talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the leaders of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Europe looks to strengthen its defences

The coalition says its goal is to create a shared ballistic missile defence network capable of protecting Europe against future attacks.

In a joint statement, the participating nations warned that ballistic missiles pose an increasing threat because they are far more difficult to intercept than cruise missiles or drones.

The leaders said Ukraine's experience defending itself against Russia's missile attacks over the past four years would play a central role in designing the new system.

Ukraine offers battlefield expertise

Zelenskyy said Ukraine and its partners could develop a low-cost, mass-produced anti-ballistic missile system within the next 12 months, allowing Europe to strengthen its own defences while also supplying friendly nations facing similar threats.

The proposal remains open to additional countries, although no timetable has yet been agreed for building the wider missile shield.

The announcement comes as Kyiv seeks to reinforce its air defences before winter, when Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure with large-scale missile strikes.

Russia vows retaliation

The coalition was announced as Russian President Vladimir Putin promised a forceful response to recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, fuel terminals and shipping facilities.

"Wherever they attempt to strike Russian territory, we will respond in kind, but our strikes will be several times more powerful," Putin said during a meeting with pro-Kremlin supporters.

The Kremlin dismissed the new European initiative, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov branding it "a coalition of warmongers" and accusing its members of trying to prolong the conflict.

Long-term commitment to Ukraine

The Paris summit, attended by more than 30 countries and around 25 heads of government, underlined Europe's continuing military and political support for Ukraine despite ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to broker peace talks.

The meeting also followed President Trump's recent decision to allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air defence systems under licence. While seen as a significant step forward for Kyiv, defence experts caution that developing such capabilities is likely to take several years.

European leaders say the new missile defence coalition is intended to strengthen the continent's long-term security as the war in Ukraine continues with no immediate end in sight.

SOURCE