Western allies schedule joint military exercises near Ukraine

A coalition of 37 Western nations, described as the "Coalition of the Willing," announced plans to conduct joint land, air and sea military drills in countries bordering Ukraine over the coming months. French President Emmanuel Macron made the statement in Paris after a summit that included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The exercises are intended to test operational plans for a multinational force, demonstrate that the allies are "ready, determined and credible," and provide defensive support to Ukraine by training and securing its airspace and maritime routes. Macron also confirmed further deliveries of weapons and equipment to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities.