Kyiv: Ukraine's allies on Monday pledged to maintain their support amid Russia's escalating attacks and threats from Moscow, as they convened in Kyiv on Ukraine's Independence Day. Air defense supplies were emphasized at the meeting of 30 leaders of the Coalition of the Willing, co-chaired by the leaders of France and Germany, who joined remotely, alongside Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
According to France24.com, Burnham, on his first trip abroad since taking office, arrived in Kyiv with other European leaders and EU Council President Antonio Costa. "Despite Russia's outrageous threats to my country, we will continue our support for Ukraine's defense," Burnham stated. Russia has recently targeted Kyiv with ballistic missiles, causing significant destruction and loss of life in the capital, which has seen the highest civilian casualties since the early months of Moscow's 2022 invasion.
A recent Russian drone attack on Chernigiv, north of Kyiv, injured 15 people, as reported by Ukraine emergency services. Additionally, local authorities confirmed one death and nine injuries from shelling in Izyum in the east. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his address, acknowledged the difficulties faced by the nation but emphasized the strength provided by international support.
Burnham highlighted to allies that Ukraine would not concede territory that Russia cannot secure militarily, and negotiations should begin from the current line of contact. French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned that Russia might escalate against European nations to dissuade them from aiding Ukraine, predicting increased provocations targeting NATO countries.
The European Union announced the release of another £6.1 billion ($7.1 billion) in military aid for Ukraine, aimed at strengthening its air defenses. This is part of a £90 billion loan, with £60 billion allocated for military assistance. Meanwhile, Ukraine has continued its campaign against Russian logistics, targeting warehouses owned by the e-commerce giant Ozon.
Russian authorities reported casualties resulting from a Ukrainian drone attack, with debris killing three children and injuring eight others. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Kyiv of targeting Russia's economy, vowing further escalation, including actions against Ukrainian agriculture.
In Kyiv, Burnham announced the British government's authorization for defense firm MBDA to share classified information to support Ukraine and France in establishing local production of the long-range Storm Shadow/SCALP missile. The Kremlin criticized the UK, alleging it was obstructing peace by providing such information to Kyiv, and threatened to destroy facilities producing these missiles in Ukraine.
Amidst these developments, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged France's delivery of new interceptor missiles. Ukraine faces challenges intercepting Russia's ballistic missiles, which require advanced defense systems like US Patriot interceptors. However, a shortage of these interceptors has been reported since the US and Israel's conflict with Iran, which diverted supplies.
Ahead of the meeting, President Zelensky disclosed details of Ukraine's missile deficit, revealing a significant reduction in deliveries of Patriot interceptors since 2023. He highlighted Ukraine's receipt of 675 missiles in 2023, compared to just 364 expected in 2025, despite increasing Russian missile strikes. The United States, dealing with its own shortages during its conflict with Iran, has been hesitant to release large amounts to Ukraine.
The Coalition of the Willing, a Franco-British initiative excluding the United States but including other NATO and allied nations, aims to bolster support for Ukraine while increasing pressure on Russia.