Defense ministers from France, Germany, Britain, Italy, and Poland convened in Paris on Wednesday, pledging unified support for Ukraine through enhanced military collaboration and industrial cooperation. The meeting, which focused on strengthening Europe’s role in addressing the conflict, culminated in a joint declaration emphasizing long-term security guarantees for Kyiv.
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu framed Ukraine’s defense capacity as a prerequisite for lasting peace, stating, "The true guarantee of long-term security will be the capacities that we can provide to the Ukrainian army." Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto echoed this sentiment, stressing that Ukraine’s survival hinges on its "ability to defend itself."
Ministers reaffirmed commitments to align European defense strategies under EU and NATO frameworks while preserving transatlantic ties. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted ongoing discussions about Europe’s preparedness for potential shifts in U.S. policy, proposing streamlined administrative processes and standardized weapon systems across the continent.
The meeting followed a U.S.-brokered interim ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia, negotiated in Saudi Arabia without European participation. While the deal reportedly includes U.S. access to Ukrainian mineral resources, European leaders welcomed the progress despite their absence from talks, signaling continued alignment with broader Western objectives.
