Key facts
- European troops and warplanes participated in France's Bastille Day parade.
- The parade aimed to demonstrate unity and military strength in support of Ukraine.
- Ukrainian soldiers marched down the Champs-Élysées.
- About 500 soldiers from allied nations supporting Ukraine marched alongside French troops.
- The event followed a summit of Western allies in Paris.
- Wildfire concerns led to the cancellation of firework displays and other celebrations across France.
- Two wildfires near Fontainebleau forest have burned approximately 2,050 hectares and forced evacuations.
European troops and warplanes joined France's annual Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Élysées, showcasing unity and military strength in support of Ukraine. The event, which included approximately 500 soldiers from allied nations and 25 Ukrainian soldiers, occurred one day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended a summit of Western allies in Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron stated it was an honor to welcome partners in the 'coalition of the willing' and Ukrainian friends, illustrating Europe's strategic reawakening and unity. The parade, France’s largest ever with nearly 6,700 troops, 98 aircraft, and 315 vehicles, was intended to display France’s rearmament and Europe’s strategic awakening. However, many local authorities cancelled Bastille Day firework displays due to concerns about wildfires amid a severe heatwave, with two blazes near Fontainebleau forest burning about 2,050 hectares and forcing evacuations. France's interior minister noted that 32,000 hectares have been burned across the country this year, exceeding the entire 2025 fire season.