The announcement came as the UK also signed up to participate in the EU\u2019s \u20ac90bn (\u00a377bn) support loan for Ukraine<\/a>, meaning UK firms will be able to provide more weapons paid for by the funds. The move is the latest push by the EU and Britain to work more closely after Britain quit the bloc in 2020 as a result of the Brexit vote.<\/p>\n The French leader, Emmanuel Macron, also announced after the meeting that the Multinational Force for Ukraine, to be deployed in the event of a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia<\/a>, will hold exercises in neighbouring countries in the coming months \u201cto validate our deployment plans and demonstrate that we are ready, determined and credible\u201d.<\/p>\n Zelenskyy arrived in Paris on Monday keen to accelerate efforts with European countries to develop Ukraine\u2019s air defences before winter, when Russia usually intensifies its attacks to deny Ukrainians electricity, heat and water.<\/p>\n He asked the leaders of several European countries to join in developing measures against Russia\u2019s missile attacks that have pummelled Ukraine and made the rest of Europe wary of Moscow\u2019s wider ambitions on the continent.<\/p>\n The coalition for anti-ballistic defence, which also includes Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Spain, said it recognised \u201cthe growing threat posed by ballistic missiles\u201d, which are harder to stop than cruise missiles or drones.<\/p>\n The anti-ballistic programme would involve \u201can integrated missile defence architecture, to deter and neutralise future missile threats\u201d, the statement said. \u201cWe recognise Ukraine\u2019s unique experience, gained through its defence against the war of aggression waged by Russia.\u201d<\/p>\n But no timeframe for the anti-ballistic programme was given. Zelenskyy was also expected to meet national security advisers and defence companies that could take part.<\/p>\n
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