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A new step towards the long-awaited common European defense: over nine European countries, including Italy, have created a coalition aimed at developing an anti-missile shield in the Old Continent. A vanguard of states that includes – in addition to Rome – France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands and Denmark. All lined up in support of Volodymyr Zelensky’s Ukraine.
«Faced with the threat we make a clear choice: protect Kiev, strengthen our collective security and build a Europe of defence. And with the launch of the anti-ballistic coalition we strengthen the capabilities that Europe needs”, wrote the French president, Emmanuel Macron, in a message on Willing at the Hotel des Invalides.
Putin threatens new attacks, the Kremlin attacks the Willing
Meanwhile, from Moscow, Vladimir Putin returns to threaten even more ferocious action following the recent massive attacks on Kiev: these attacks by Russia on Ukraine will continue in response to the raids by Kiev’s forces, and will be “much more powerful”. While the Kremlin spokesman, Dimitry Peskov, bluntly branded the Willing as a “coalition that instigates war”.
The objectives of the European anti-missile coalition
The aim of the new European anti-ballistic coalition is to develop “purely defensive” anti-missile capabilities in Europe, in a context of “growing threat”. “We believe that the protection of Europe requires a global integrated defense architecture solution to deter and defeat future missile threats,” reads the joint declaration signed by the nine states adhering to the initiative. “By sharing our defense industrial base, our research and our operational experience, the objective is to build a shared capacity”, continue the signatories, pointing out that “this action is not directed against any people, but in defense of our own”. The coalition, it is specified in the document, also remains “open to other nations that share its principles and objectives”.
London joins the 90 billion EU loan for Ukraine
Meanwhile, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has announced London’s participation in the 90 billion euro EU loan to support Ukraine. Brussels finalized the agreement with the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, on the sidelines of the Volenterosi summit. «This will allow Ukraine to use a wider range of suppliers in the defense sector. This way he will be able to get what he needs on the battlefield”, pointed out the head of the European executive.
Macron: «Europe is ready to defend freedom and law»
And on the eve of the celebrations of 14 July, addressing the armed forces, Macron stated that France and Europeans are ready to defend “freedom and law”, even “at the cost of blood if necessary”. “Europe is becoming a power”, continued the resident of the Elysée, adding: “The message we send to the world is the following: yes, peace is our objective. Yes we love freedom and law. And yes, we remain ready to fight to always defend them.”