Paris:French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin emphasized the importance of unity and determination in maintaining support for Ukraine following a meeting of Group of Five (E5) defense ministers.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Vautrin highlighted the collective commitment of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the UK, along with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, to address Europe's security challenges. She stressed the need for a united front, as outlined during the NATO summit in Ankara, to build a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO.

Vautrin outlined shared defense objectives, including increasing the production of military equipment and enhancing cooperation and interoperability. She emphasized the importance of transparency with the United States in these efforts.

UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting also addressed the meeting, warning of unprecedented "threat and instability" since the Cold War. He reiterated European unity and support for Ukraine, framing their defense as a mutual front line for freedom. Streeting clarified that while Europe does not seek conflict with Russia, the alliance with the US remains vital for NATO's strength and collective security.