Macron hosts final Bastille Day parade with Zelenskyy, focus on Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron will preside over his 10th and final Bastille Day military parade as president on Tuesday, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attending the event. The day carries particular significance as France marks 10 years since the deadly jihadist attacks that shook the country.

The annual military parade commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution. Celebrations are expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators to central Paris despite an intense heatwave, which has fueled a major forest fire near the capital and prompted fireworks bans in many parts of France. Later in the day, France is also scheduled to face Spain in the Women's FIFA World Cup semi-finals.

This year's Bastille Day celebrations highlight European unity and continued support for Ukraine. The July 14 military parade will feature aircraft from 11 European countries and around 500 troops from the Coalition of the Willing, a group of countries committed to supporting Ukraine's post-war security.

The parade along the Champs-Élysées is scheduled to begin at around 10:00 a. m. with the 500 coalition troops, followed by approximately 25 Ukrainian soldiers. The event also includes Ukrainian military personnel and co-pilots participating alongside troops from Kyiv's allies. Their participation comes a day after leaders of coalition member states met in Paris.

France and the United Kingdom have led the Coalition of the Willing since last year. The group includes countries prepared to contribute to a European-led multinational force in Ukraine after a future ceasefire agreement.

Speaking to the French armed forces on Monday, Macron said Europe would fight tooth and nail for freedom.

The message we send to the world is this: Yes, peace is our goal. And yes, we stand ready to fight to defend it.

The ceremony also marks Macron's final Bastille Day celebration in office as president.