Archive photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
Paris: Nine European countries and Ukraine announced Monday the formation of an alliance to develop “purely defensive” anti-ballistic missile capabilities in Europe, citing the growing threat of ballistic missiles.
Ukrainian President Zelensky was in Paris on Monday to attend a meeting of Kiev’s allies to reaffirm the country’s support and increase pressure on Russia to end the war, now in its fifth year.“We believe that protecting Europe requires a global integrated missile defense architecture solution to deter and defeat future missile threats,” said the joint declaration issued by Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.“By combining our defense industrial base with our research and operational expertise, we aim to build a joint anti-ballistic missile capability for Europe,” she added.She added, “We are not doing this against any people, but rather in defense of ourselves,” referring to the “unique experience of Ukraine,” whose air defenses have faced repeated Russian ballistic missile attacks in recent weeks. At least 25 heads of state were scheduled to attend the Paris meeting, with some staying for the military parade marking the French national holiday on July 14, which this year will highlight support for Ukraine.(AFP)