EU Pledges 6.1 Billion Euros to Ukraine; British PM Visits Kyiv Amid Drone Incidents

On Ukraine's Independence Day, the European Commission announced new defense procurements for Kyiv totaling 6.1 billion euros. These funds will bolster Ukraine's air defense systems, missiles, and radar capabilities, according to the EU executive.

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Ukraine is a free and brave nation. Its fight is our fight too.

European Council President Antonio Costa, arriving in Kyiv for the celebrations, stated, "Ukraine is a free and brave nation. Its fight is our fight too." British Prime Minister Andy Burnham also arrived in the capital for the summit of the "Coalition of the Willing." President Zelensky expressed confidence that "Ukraine will not fall and will prevail" against Russia.

During his visit, Burnham addressed a crowd in St. Sophia Square, asserting, "For 30 years, Russia has tried to end your independence but has failed; its actions have strengthened it: you are a living democracy with a bright future ahead. The United Kingdom kept the flame of freedom alive in the 20th century; you have done so in the 21st." He pledged, "I am determined, with the Willing, to give you the help you need, not only for air defense but also to destroy Russian missiles before they launch."

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For 30 years, Russia has tried to end your independence but has failed; its actions have strengthened it: you are a living democracy with a bright future ahead. The United Kingdom kept the flame of freedom alive in the 20th century; you have done so in the 21st.

President Zelensky, speaking at the independence celebrations, declared, "Ukraine will be an independent state forever, there is no doubt about that: Ukrainians will never be pebbles for the Tsar's boots, they will not accept what they do not believe in, and they will never give up their dream of living freely." He thanked "all Ukrainians, those dreamers who allow Ukraine to be independent."

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I am determined, with the Willing, to give you the help you need, not only for air defense but also to destroy Russian missiles before they launch.

Meanwhile, overnight, debris from Ukrainian drones shot down over the Russian city of Krasnodar fell on a kindergarten, killing two children and injuring seven others. Ozon warehouses were also reportedly targeted.

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Ukraine will be an independent state forever, there is no doubt about that: Ukrainians will never be pebbles for the Tsar's boots, they will not accept what they do not believe in, and they will never give up their dream of living freely.