‘Coalition of the willing’ to build shared European anti-ballistic programme

Lead

Ukraine and nine European countries have announced the formation of a coalition to develop a shared anti-ballistic missile defence for Europe, citing the growing threat of ballistic missiles. The declaration was made in Paris on Monday, as leaders gathered for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The coalition includes Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. In a joint statement, the nations said their goal is to build a shared ballistic missile defence capability for Europe, using Kyiv's experience in fighting Russia's full-scale invasion.

Coverage comparison

Reports from ABC Australia, The Guardian and the South China Morning Post all confirm the formation of the coalition, though they differ in emphasis. ABC Australia highlighted Ukraine's experience in fighting Russia's invasion and Zelenskyy's request for help in developing measures against Russian missile attacks. The Guardian focused on the UK's decision to join the EU's €90bn support loan for Ukraine, announced alongside the coalition. The South China Morning Post, in two separate reports, framed the coalition as a strategic 'insurance' policy for Europe, with one report emphasising Europe's preparation for a less predictable US security role and the other describing the coalition as 'purely defensive'.

Key claims

• Ukraine and nine other countries will form a coalition to protect Europe from ballistic missiles, as reported by ABC Australia and The Guardian.
• The coalition's main priority is to develop Europe's ability to defend against ballistic missile attacks, according to ABC Australia.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked for help in developing measures against Russia's missile attacks, as reported by ABC Australia and The Guardian.
• Russia has not shied away from hitting civilian targets during the war, according to ABC Australia.
• Ukraine wants to push Putin into negotiations, as reported by ABC Australia.
• Ukraine has been successful in stalling Russia's advances, even launching far-reaching strikes into Russian territory, according to ABC Australia.
• The EU started paying out the large two-year loan to Ukraine, as reported by The Guardian.
• The UK signed up to participate in the EU's €90bn support loan for Ukraine, according to The Guardian.
• 10 European nations signed a joint declaration to establish the Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
• Europe is preparing for a less predictable US security role, according to the South China Morning Post.
• The coalition is 'purely defensive', as stated in the joint declaration quoted by the South China Morning Post.

Perspectives

European leaders (joint declaration): The coalition is 'purely defensive' and aims to build a shared anti-ballistic missile capacity for Europe, recognising the growing threat posed by ballistic missiles and Ukraine's unique experience in defending against Russian aggression.

Analysts (as quoted by the South China Morning Post): The coalition is more of a strategic 'insurance' policy than a break with Washington, with Europe quietly planning for a less predictable US security role. James Downes, director of the Europe-Asia programme at the US-based Centre for Explanatory Research and Scientific Prediction, said the coalition was a calculated response to a changing political climate in Washington.