Paris Bastille Day 2026: Europe displays military unity in support of Ukraine

On Tuesday, Ukrainian fighter pilots and troops took pride in France’s national Bastille Day celebrations which served as an overwhelming demonstration of support for Ukraine and flexed European military muscle.

For President Emmanuel Macron’s last Bastille Day as president, he hosted around 30 other leaders at an event intended to show both Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump that Europe is standing its ground to defend itself.

France’s biggest national day was accompanied by raging forest fires and a red-alert heat wave that forced the cancellation of traditional fireworks and firefighters’ balls. The Bastille Day holiday is primary to the French calendar and national identity.

A huge French tricolor flag hanging below the memorial arch rippled in the wind as a military band on horseback rode down the tree-linked avenue past Macron who was standing in an open military vehicle.

“I feel very proud for the fact that they’re here and for the fact that we’re marching alongside of them and I think it as well it will create better ties with them and NATO and to be a part of that history,” 21-year-old U.K. soldier Lance Cpl. Patrick Risso said of the Ukrainian involvement.

The parade set a record of the number of troops. According to the Paris military governor, 7,600 troops are marching this year, compared to 5,810 in 2025.

Notably, thousands of soldiers started assuming positions early Tuesday. Meanwhile, many spectators taking selfies crowded the area. Additionally, authorities in some regions have banned fireworks and firefighters’ balls typically held around Bastille Day.