Western leaders agree anti-ballistic missile coalition with Ukraine

Nine European countries and Ukraine on Monday announced the formation of a coalition to develop “purely defensive” anti-ballistic capabilities in Europe, citing “the growing threat” of ballistic missiles.

Leaders of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom have agreed to establish an integrated anti-ballistic missile coalition with Ukraine, the French Presidency said in a statement. “We believe that the protection of Europe requires a global solution of integrated missile defense architecture to deter and defeat future missile threats — developed through collective effort, technological openness, and trusted industrial co-operation," the statement said. “It will complement existing ballistic missile defense systems, including sovereign European solutions already acquired, or to be acquired by participating countries,” it added.

(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon, John Irish; Editing by Sharon Singleton)