Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to present a new missile defense program to allies during a summit of the "Coalition of the Willing" in Paris, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of France's Bastille Day military parade.
More than 20 European heads of state, among a total of 37 leaders, gathered at the Hôtel des Invalides to discuss further military and political support for Ukraine, with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis among the attendees.
The meeting follows a separate Macron-Zelensky meeting and precedes a joint press conference expected to include Mr. Macron, Mr. Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, ahead of a dinner Mr. Macron is hosting at the Élysée Palace.
"Our top priority is anti-ballistic defense. We will present our anti-ballistic missile program to our partners, and for the first time, we will hold a meeting at the level of leaders, national security advisers and defense industries from countries that can meaningfully contribute to developing a new anti-ballistic system," Mr. Zelensky said upon arriving in Paris.
The coalition aims to intensify pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin toward a more conciliatory negotiating stance, with discussions expected to cover expedited weapons deliveries, air defense systems and further military aid to Ukraine, as well as efforts to curb Russian revenue sources, particularly the "shadow fleet" transporting Russian oil. Ukraine has recently escalated strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, reportedly causing fuel shortages and long lines at gas stations in several Russian regions.
Mr. Macron said discussions would also focus on how to protect Ukraine from Russian aerial attacks. Ukrainian military personnel are set to march in Tuesday's Bastille Day parade alongside Mr. Mitsotakis and other visiting leaders.