France, Germany and eight other European nations have formed a missile-defence coalition and announced joint military exercises in countries bordering Ukraine to demonstrate readiness across land, air and sea domains. The drills, planned for the coming months, involve a multinational force agreed upon last December and now declared operational.
President Emmanuel Macron confirmed further arms deliveries, noting Kyiv's intent to purchase 16 Rafale fighter jets and SAMP/T air-defence systems, while France and Ukraine agreed on licensed co-production of guided missiles. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged the creation of a new European air-defence shield within twelve months and requested 100 Patriot missiles monthly for the winter.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to return to negotiations. Austria's Chancellor Christian Stocker attended the Paris talks, with his country participating as an observer due to its neutrality.