Macron Says Europe Ready to Defend Freedom With Blood if Needed

French President Emmanuel Macron said Europe is ready to defend itself and freedom with blood if necessary during a traditional address to the armed forces. The speech occurred one day before a summit of the coalition of the willing in Paris, where leaders plan to discuss air and missile defense cooperation and licensed weapons production in Ukraine.

Macron delivered the comments ahead of France's Bastille Day military parade. He said Europe is in the process of becoming a power ready to defend itself. "The message we send to the world is this: Yes, peace is our goal. Yes, we cherish freedom and the rule of law. And yes, we stand ready to fight to defend them. Always, and at the cost of blood if necessary," Macron said.

The coalition, launched by France and the United Kingdom after Russia's full-scale invasion, has met more than 15 times since February 2025. Officials in Paris said a multinational force for Ukraine will be declared ready at the summit, with joint military exercises to follow once fighting ends. The meeting will seek a ceasefire and renewed peace talks, the French presidency said on Friday.

Moscow dismissed the gathering as a coalition of warmongers.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the leaders do not want peace. The Elysée described the moment as one of renewed transatlantic convergence and more favorable developments on the ground for Kyiv. An adviser to Macron said the meeting aims to show there is no sign of fatigue among Ukraine's supporters.

Washington has ruled out sending American ground troops but would participate in ceasefire monitoring. France, Britain and Spain have said they are ready to send troops, a step Moscow has warned would make foreign forces legitimate targets. Ukraine's air defenses have faced repeated Russian ballistic missile strikes in recent weeks.

Washington this month gave permission for Ukraine to build US-designed Patriot systems, though production may take months.