European troops join France's Bastille Day celebration

A record 6,800 European troops and warplanes join Paris Bastille Day parade in a show of unity for Ukraine. This after French President Emmanual Macron receives Order of Freedom from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Troops and warplanes from around Europe join the pomp-filled parade through Paris as part of France's Bastille Day celebrations. The display is meant to be a showcase of support for Ukraine and proof of European military strength.

On Emmanuel Macron's last Bastille Day as president, some 30 country leaders arrive in the French capital to display a united front as Europe deals with the ongoing threats of the Russian-Ukraine war as well as US President Donald Trump's criticism over NATO spending and defence efforts.

Marcon's wife Bridgette Marcon was also present for the celebrations.

Troops march beneath the Napoleon-era Arc de Triomphe and along the Champs-Elysees avenue, some of the French capital's most iconic landmarks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who on Monday presented Marcon with his country's highest state award, the Order of Freedom following the "Coalition of the Willing" gathering in the city that saw France and the UK signal their military support, appears prominently at the parade.

Ukrainian troops march along the cobblestoned avenue, and Ukrainian co-pilots trained in France fly two Mirage 2000B fighter jets alongside French air force pilots.

In the skies, aircraft from Germany, the United Kingdom, Croatia, Poland, Denmark, Greece, Sweden, Norway, Spain and Italy also take part.

On the ground, the parade opens with around 500 troops from the group of "Coalition of the Willing" countries that have pledged to help with Ukraine's post-war security.

Celebrations kickstarted on the eve of Bastille day, with a spectacular drone and fireworks show around the Eiffel Tower on Monday night.

{Danni Zhou, TVB NEWS}

{European troops join France's Bastille Day celebration}

{TAG:}