Coalition of Willing launches Freya missile defense for Ukraine
Leaders of the Coalition of the Willing agreed at a Paris summit on July 13 to conduct military exercises in countries neighboring Ukraine, launch a European missile defense coalition, and significantly expand military aid to Kyiv.
The summit brought together German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Moldovan President Maia Sandu. President Sandu reaffirmed Moldova’s support for Kyiv, emphasizing the urgent need for robust international assistance to counter Russian aggression.
New missile defense coalition launched
A key outcome of the summit was the creation of "Freya," a new air defense initiative designed to shield Ukraine's airspace and strengthen Europe's capacity to counter ballistic threats.
"Ukraine has immediate needs, particularly in anti-ballistic defense," French President Emmanuel Macron stated. He noted that the eight-nation coalition will accelerate concrete defense deliverables to safeguard Ukraine's civilian population and critical infrastructure.
In a major industrial shift, Ukraine secured licenses to locally produce French military hardware, including SCALP cruise missiles, AASM guided bombs, and Aster surface-to-air missiles.
UK backs €90 billion support package
The United Kingdom pledged to participate in the European Union's €90 billion (approx. 1.76 trillion MDL) loan package for Ukraine.
"This agreement will ensure that Ukraine continues to receive the military capabilities it needs most," British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted that developing Europe's anti-ballistic missile technology, including the Freya system, is vital for long-term continental stability and conflict prevention.
Alliance expands to 37 nations
The Coalition of the Willing has now expanded to 37 member states, with the Republic of Moldova and North Macedonia attending the summit for the first time.
President Maia Sandu urged allies to increase economic pressure on Moscow alongside military support. "More air defense for Ukraine and greater economic pressure on Russia will deprive Moscow of the means to wage war and bring peace closer," Sandu stated.
Responding to the summit, the Kremlin condemned the gathering in Paris, calling the alliance a coalition of warmongers opposed to peace.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
