26.10.2026 Defence ministers of key European countries met in Paris to discuss military support for Ukraine amid continuing military operations.
“First, on Ukraine, the new diplomatic push is there, but it is also clear, and I agree with my colleagues that Putin’s actions tell a different story. In recent days, Russia has again launched heavy attacks on Kyiv and sunk civilian ships in the Black Sea” the top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas said.(Image: courtesy B-joy Abraham)
I met with the defence ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom in Paris today for talks on support for Ukraine, European defence and the conflicts in the Middle East.
There is a new diplomatic push for peace in Ukraine, but Putin’s actions tell a different story.
In recent days, Russia has again launched heavy attacks on Kyiv and sunk civilian ships in the Black Sea.
There is little hope for imminent peace in Ukraine. Our task is to help Ukraine withstand the attacks and increase the costs for Russia.
This month, the EU has adopted the largest sanctions listings against Russia since the war started, and more are in the works.
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) October 26, 2026
“There is little hope for imminent peace in Ukraine. Ukraine faces another brutal war winter. Our task is to help to withstand the attacks and increase the costs for Russia. This month, the EU has adopted the largest sanctions listings against Russia since the war started, and more are in the works.
“Our crackdown of Russia’s shadow fleet has successfully stripped hundreds of illicit tankers of their flags. I want to praise France for its strong actions here. Boardings by the EU, by France, and other Member States are forcing these vessels onto longer and costlier routes. We need to do more to increase the pressure on the shadow fleet across maritime choke
Good to join E5 Defence Ministers in Paris to discuss vital issues for our security
We reaffirmed our solidarity for Ukraine & will continue to provide strong support
We addressed the situation in the Middle East and all agree on the importance of freedom of navigation https://t.co/93Vx8kE07e
— Radmila Shekerinska (@DepSecGenNATO) October 26, 2026
“We also addressed further strengthening European defence readiness. I presented the EU’s first EU Defence Readiness Report to the leaders in October. Europe spends record sums on defence, but we also need to make this operationalised in a way that it also translates into real capabilities. We must continue to modernise our forces and capabilities to build a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO.
“Of course, there are other threats, and we also discussed the Middle East. There is a serious risk of renewed escalation between the United States and Iran, and any new escalation would only have losers. Houthis have indiscriminately struck Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The EU naval operation ASPIDES helps to keep cargo and oil flowing through the Red Sea.
“I want to thank France, Italy, and Greece for their important contributions to this operation. More than 60 countries have now joined the EU’s pledge opposing tolls and fees on international shipping routes. Navigation must be unimpeded.
“And, finally, on Lebanon, the EU is establishing a new mission to advise and train Lebanon’s Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces. We will help Lebanon to strengthen territorial control, border security, and internal security. Europe is investing in Lebanon’s future.”
