DATA & FIGURES
9 European countries, along with Ukraine, have formed the coalition, with at least 25 heads of state attending the Paris meeting. The war in Ukraine has entered its fifth year, with the country facing repeated Russian ballistic missile strikes in recent weeks.
THE SCENARIO
The overarching context of this development is the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has sparked a significant escalation of tensions between Russia and European nations. The formation of the anti-ballistic missile coalition reflects the growing concern among European countries about the threat posed by ballistic missiles, particularly in light of Russia's actions in Ukraine.
DIRECT QUOTE
"We believe that the protection of Europe, requires a global solution of integrated missile defence architecture to deter and defeat future missile threats" — Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine
BBN INSIGHT
The Positive Side: The formation of the anti-ballistic missile coalition presents an opportunity for European nations to enhance their collective defense capabilities, potentially deterring future missile threats. The Negative Side: However, this move may also increase tensions with Russia, potentially leading to further escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, the development of a unified defense system may pose significant technical and financial challenges for the coalition members.