PARIS, Jul 13 (Alliance News): French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday declared that Europe was prepared to defend its freedom and security “at the cost of blood if necessary,” as France prepared to host a high-level summit of Ukraine’s allies aimed at reinforcing support for Kyiv and increasing diplomatic pressure on Russia.
Speaking to members of the French armed forces ahead of the annual Bastille Day military parade, President Macron said Europe was emerging as a stronger geopolitical power capable of protecting its interests and values in an increasingly unstable global environment.
“The message we send to the world is this: Yes, peace is our goal. Yes, we cherish freedom and the rule of law. And yes, we stand ready to fight to defend them. Always, and at the cost of blood if necessary,” Macron said.
The remarks came ahead of a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, an alliance established by France and the United Kingdom to coordinate military and political support for Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The French presidency said the summit would bring together at least 25 heads of state and government, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The leaders are expected to discuss strengthening military assistance for Ukraine, promoting a ceasefire, and renewing international efforts toward a peaceful settlement of the conflict.
President Zelensky and several other international leaders are also scheduled to attend France’s Bastille Day celebrations on July 14, where this year’s military parade will highlight European solidarity with Ukraine.
Macron stressed that Europe must continue investing in its own defence capabilities and called for stronger cooperation among European defence industries to reduce strategic dependence and improve collective security.
He said Europe was “in the process of becoming a power” capable of defending itself and safeguarding democratic values against growing security threats.
The summit comes amid renewed international efforts to maintain support for Ukraine as the conflict with Russia enters its fifth year.
According to the French presidency, discussions will also focus on enhancing Ukraine’s air and missile defence systems, expanding joint weapons production, and strengthening long-term security guarantees.
Officials said the Multinational Force for Ukraine, which would be deployed after any future ceasefire agreement, is expected to be formally declared operational during the meeting. The coalition also plans to announce new joint military exercises designed to improve readiness and coordination among participating nations.
The initiative, launched in early 2025, has held more than 15 meetings and adopted the Paris Declaration outlining long-term security commitments aimed at preventing future Russian aggression and supporting any eventual ceasefire monitoring mechanism.
The United States is not formally part of the coalition but continues to support Ukraine through military assistance and diplomatic engagement. While Washington has ruled out deploying ground troops, it remains involved in discussions on future ceasefire monitoring arrangements.
Several European countries, including France, Britain and Spain, have indicated their willingness to contribute troops to a future multinational peace-support mission if conditions permit. Russia has strongly opposed such proposals, warning that any foreign military deployment inside Ukraine would be considered a legitimate military target.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin criticised the upcoming summit, dismissing it as a gathering of leaders unwilling to pursue peace.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the alliance as a “coalition of warmongers” and accused participating countries of prolonging the conflict instead of seeking a diplomatic resolution.
Despite repeated international calls for a ceasefire, fighting continues across Ukraine, with Russian missile and drone attacks placing increasing pressure on Ukrainian air defence systems.
Ukraine has continued urging its international partners to accelerate military assistance, including advanced air defence equipment and additional financial support, as it seeks to counter ongoing Russian attacks.
French officials said Monday’s summit aims to demonstrate that international backing for Ukraine remains firm and that allies remain united in supporting the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and long-term security.
