9 European countries and Ukraine announce the establishment of an alliance to develop anti-ballistic missile capabilities

Nine European countries and Ukraine announced Monday in Paris the establishment of a “purely defensive” alliance to develop capabilities to confront ballistic missiles on the continent.

The joint declaration issued by Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Ukraine stated: “By sharing our defense industry base, research capabilities and practical experience, our goal is to develop a joint capability for Europe to confront ballistic missiles.” The concerned countries stressed that this step “is not directed against any people, but rather to protect our people.”