European defence chiefs gather in Paris to plot deeper Ukraine aid and broader security strategy

On Monday, defence ministers of the five major European powers—France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom—convened in Paris to deliberate on additional military assistance for Ukraine and on Europe’s overall defence posture. Representatives from NATO and the European Union will attend portions of the session, while Ukraine’s defence minister is slated to participate through a video link. Agenda items include the present battlefield conditions in Ukraine, sustained long-term support against Russia, and discussions on the ongoing Middle-East conflict.

The gathering builds on a June meeting in Berlin where the same ministers pledged continued aid to Kyiv and signaled a unified stance toward Moscow. They also aim to explore ways to reinforce Europe’s contribution to NATO and to balance transatlantic defence spending. The discussion reflects a broader effort to coordinate European security policy amid multiple crises.