Ukrainian Troops Make Historic Appearance at French Bastille Day Parade, Signaling European Unity in Support of Ukraine

(CNA, Paris, July 14 - International News Summary) Today marks France's National Day, Bastille Day. Around 500 troops from the 'Coalition of the Willing' supporting Ukraine took part in the annual military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Among them were 25 Ukrainian soldiers, which media outlets report as the first-ever participation by Ukrainian forces.

According to Reuters, the day before the traditional French National Day parade, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended a summit in Paris with leaders from around 25 countries, forming the 'Coalition of the Willing.' This Western alliance supports Ukraine in its war against Russia.

Amid Ukraine's severe ammunition shortages and intensified Russian airstrikes on Kyiv and surrounding areas, allied nations announced the formation of an air defense coalition.

President Zelenskyy, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and around 30 other leaders were invited by French President Emmanuel Macron to attend today's parade. This marks the final Bastille Day parade that Macron will preside over before his expected departure from office in 2027.

During the ceremony, approximately 25 Ukrainian troops marched in formation along Paris's iconic Champs-Élysées Avenue.

Ukrainska Pravda reported that this marks the first time Ukrainian military personnel have participated in the Paris Bastille Day parade.

As tradition, military aircraft from France and its European allies flew in formation over the parade grounds, including France's Mirage fighter jets. The French presidential office previously stated that Ukrainian pilots currently undergoing training on these aircraft would also participate in the flyover.

A French presidential aide told reporters ahead of the event: 'The joint participation of nations will give this parade historical significance and send a strong signal that Europe is awakening to how dangerous the world has become.'

The Kremlin stated it is closely monitoring yesterday's 'Coalition of the Willing' meeting and described the participating countries as hostile.

Other signs indicate a hardening of Europe's security stance. Macron stated yesterday that Europe faces its most serious threat in decades and must be prepared to pay the price to defend its values and security.

He said: 'The message we are sending to the world is that peace is our goal, we cherish freedom and the rule of law, and we are ready to fight to defend these values—even at the cost of blood, if necessary.' (Intern translator: Li Siquan / Proofreader: Yang Zhaoyan) 1150714

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