European Defence Cooperation: 9 Countries and Ukraine Unite

In a significant move, nine European countries and Ukraine have agreed to form a coalition for defence against ballistic missiles.The leaders of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the UK, along with Ukraine, issued a joint statement outlining their intention to develop defence capabilities against ballistic missiles.According to the statement published on the Elysee Palace's website, the coalition aims to complement existing missile defence systems and develop common capabilities for Europe. The project, described as 'purely defensive', will involve joint operational specifications, technical working groups, and management mechanisms.The coalition has also extended an invitation to other countries that share its principles and goals to join the effort. Russia has repeatedly expressed concerns that Western arms shipments to Ukraine are exacerbating the crisis.