PARIS: Nine European countries and Ukraine on Monday announced the formation of an alliance to develop “purely defensive” anti-ballistic capabilities in Europe, citing the growing threat of ballistic missiles. Ukrainian President Zelensky was in Paris on Monday for a meeting of Kiev’s allies to reaffirm support for the country and increase pressure on Russia to end the war, now in its fifth year.“We believe that the security of Europe requires a global solution of an integrated missile defense architecture to deter and defeat future missile threats,” said the joint declaration by Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and the UK.It says, “By bringing together our defense industrial base, our research and our operational experience, we aim to build a common anti-ballistic missile capability for Europe.”“We do this not against anyone, but to defend ourselves,” it said, citing “the unique experience of Ukraine,” whose air defenses have faced repeated Russian ballistic missile attacks in recent weeks. At least 25 heads of state were to attend the Paris meeting, with some stopping for a military parade on July 14, France’s national public holiday that this year will highlight support for Ukraine.(AFP)