French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that Europe is prepared to defend itself and freedom “at the cost of blood” if necessary. This remark came ahead of a meeting of Ukraine’s allies aimed at reaffirming support for Kyiv and increasing pressure on Russia.
The Summit of the Coalition of the Willing, initiated by France and Great Britain to provide military support to Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion, seeks to achieve a ceasefire and resume peace negotiations, according to the French president’s administration. The meeting, scheduled for the day before France’s national holiday — Bastille Day — will include at least 25 heads of state, including Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.
In his traditional address to the armed forces before the military parade on July 14, Macron emphasized that Europe is “becoming an independent center of power” ready to “defend itself”. “The message we are sending to the world is this: Yes, peace is our goal. Yes, we value freedom and the rule of law. And yes, we are ready to fight for their defense. Always, and at the cost of blood, if necessary”, Macron stated.
It is anticipated that Zelensky and other leaders will remain at the parade on the Champs-Élysées in central Paris, underscoring support for Ukraine, according to the president’s administration. In his speech, Macron also called for expanding partnerships in the European defense industry, despite France and Germany having abandoned a joint fighter jet program last month.
Reaction from Moscow and Support for Ukraine
On Monday, Moscow dismissed the summit as a gathering of leaders who “do not want peace”. “This is a coalition of warmongers”, stated Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The Élysée Palace noted that the summit is occurring at a “powerful moment of renewed transatlantic convergence and unity”, and against the backdrop of a “more favorable situation on the front” for Kyiv.
An advisor to Macron stated that Monday’s meeting “will develop this momentum… to demonstrate that Ukraine’s supporters remain firmly committed to supporting the Ukrainian people, that there are absolutely no signs of fatigue, and that Russia cannot count on such fatigue”.
US President Donald Trump, who sought to maintain relations with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin while periodically criticizing Moscow and Kyiv, made it clear that he intends to bolster support for Ukraine at the June G7 summit in France and at the NATO meeting in Turkey this week. Last week, Washington also advanced bipartisan legislation targeting countries that purchase Russian energy, potentially paving the way for increased pressure on Moscow.
The coalition leaders will focus on cooperation with Ukraine in air and missile defense, including licensed production of weapons within the country.
Multinational Forces and Prospects for a Ceasefire
Multinational forces supporting Ukraine, which will be deployed after hostilities cease, are expected to be officially declared ready at the summit, officials in Paris reported. Joint military exercises are also planned. The coalition, formed in February 2025, has held over 15 meetings and in January, in the presence of American envoys, adopted the Paris Declaration, which establishes security guarantees to protect Ukraine from a new Russian attack, as well as monitoring of a potential ceasefire.
Washington, which has ruled out any deployment of American ground troops, is not formally part of the coalition but will be involved in monitoring the ceasefire. France, Great Britain, and Spain have stated their readiness to send troops — a move Moscow has warned against, asserting that any foreign forces will be “legitimate targets”.
However, a ceasefire remains a distant prospect as hostilities continue. Ukrainian air defense has faced significant strain due to repeated Russian ballistic missile strikes in recent weeks. This month, Washington granted Ukraine permission for licensed production of US-developed Patriot air defense systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, but it may take months before production begins. Zelensky has reiterated his request to allies in recent days for increased military aid to help Ukraine repel the ongoing Russian invasion, which has persisted for five years.
Source: Channel NewsAsia
