A summit of the 37 countries participating in the coalition supporting Ukraine is taking place today in Paris, following an initiative by French President Emmanuel Macron. Greece is represented by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who is taking part in the talks alongside dozens of European and other international leaders.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also attending the summit, along with the heads of the European Union and NATO, as well as at least 25 heads of state and government.

French President Macron welcomed Mr. Mitsotakis, and the two leaders held a brief conversation. The Greek prime minister is expected to reiterate Greece’s firm position in support of Ukraine, stressing that European security requires close coordination with allies and the preservation of transatlantic cooperation.

According to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who spoke to Ouest-France, the summit has three main objectives regarding Ukraine: supporting the country, “particularly in terms of air defence” against Russian bombardments; increasing pressure on Moscow through “a 21st package of European sanctions”; and “preparing for peace in Ukraine and defining the security guarantees that will be necessary to prevent any further aggression.”

The leaders will also focus on cooperation in “air defence and ballistic missile defence,” including licensed weapons production in Ukraine, according to French presidential sources.

The summit is being hosted at the historic Hôtel des Invalides in central Paris, with the programme concluding with an official dinner hosted by President Macron at the Élysée Palace in honour of the participating heads of state and government.

On Tuesday, the Greek prime minister will attend France’s national day military parade.

The parade, held on Bastille Day, will carry a strong European symbolism this year, as around 500 soldiers from countries in the Ukraine support coalition will lead the procession, sending a message of unity and a common stance regarding developments in the war. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will also attend the military parade.