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🇦🇺 Australia /Conflict & Security

Ukraine and allies join to protect Europe from ballistic missiles

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Ukraine and nine allied nations are forming a coalition to enhance Europe's defense against ballistic missiles, leveraging Ukraine's combat experience.
  • The coalition aims to develop a shared ballistic missile defense capability, recognizing the growing threat posed by such weapons.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking accelerated development of a jointly produced, low-cost missile system within 12 months to bolster European defense.

Ukraine and nine other European nations have launched a coalition aimed at bolstering the continent's defenses against ballistic missiles. The initiative, announced in Paris, seeks to leverage Ukraine's extensive experience in defending against Russian missile attacks during the ongoing full-scale invasion.

Our goal is to build a shared ballistic missile defence capability for Europe.

— 10 nations in a statementThe joint statement outlining the coalition's objective.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was present at the talks, emphasized the need for a "shared ballistic missile defence capability for Europe." He urged leaders to develop measures against Russia's missile assaults, which have devastated his country and raised concerns across Europe about Moscow's broader ambitions.

The coalition's primary objective is to enhance Europe's capacity to counter ballistic missile threats, which are considered more challenging to intercept than cruise missiles or drones. The participating nations, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, acknowledged the "growing threat posed by ballistic missiles."

We believe that protecting Europe requires a comprehensive solution, in the form of an integrated missile defence architecture, to deter and neutralise future missile threats.

— 10 nations in a statementThe statement further elaborates on the necessity of a unified defense strategy.

"We believe that protecting Europe requires a comprehensive solution, in the form of an integrated missile defence architecture, to deter and neutralise future missile threats," the coalition stated. They specifically recognized "Ukraine's unique experience, gained through its defence against the war of aggression waged by Russia."

We recognise Ukraine's unique experience, gained through its defence against the war of aggression waged by Russia.

— 10 nations in a statementThe coalition acknowledges Ukraine's crucial role and experience in developing the defense capabilities.

President Zelenskyy proposed a collaborative effort to develop a mass-produced, low-cost missile system within the next 12 months. This system would enable Europe to achieve self-sufficiency in anti-ballistic capabilities and provide protection to other nations globally. The initiative remains open to additional countries, and details regarding timelines for the defense system's establishment were not provided. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed strong retaliation against Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.

Wherever they attempt to strike Russian territory, we will respond in kind, but our strikes will be several times more powerful.

— Vladimir PutinThe Russian President's vow of retaliation against Ukrainian attacks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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