Ukraine allies meet in Kyiv amid escalating Russian attacks

Key European allies are gathering in Kyiv today to press for critical air defense supplies and greater pressure on Moscow, as Russian attacks inflict civilian casualties at levels not seen since the initial months of the invasion. The meeting of the Coalition of the Willing will be jointly led by the prime ministers of Britain, France, and Germany.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is attending the summit in Kyiv, marking his first international trip since assuming office. Several other leaders are expected to participate remotely, alongside EU Council President Antonio Costa. These talks occur amid a deadly escalation of the conflict, with Russia recently pounding Kyiv with ballistic missiles, destroying apartment blocks and killing dozens.

The escalating Russian strikes have resulted in the highest number of civilian deaths since the early stages of Russia's 2022 invasion. Following nearly every attack, which forces tens of thousands to seek shelter in Kyiv's metro system and basements, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly appealed for enhanced air defense capabilities. Zelensky estimates Russia can produce around 100 ballistic missiles monthly.

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Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace.

Ukraine has also continued its campaign against Russian logistics, targeting warehouses belonging to e-commerce giant Ozon. Ozon reported fires at its warehouses in Krasnodar and Makhachkala, with sites in Adygeysk and Nevinnomyssk evacuated due to drone attack threats. Russian authorities stated that debris from a Ukrainian drone attack killed two children and injured nine others.

Prime Minister Burnham, in a statement before his arrival, affirmed, "Russia should be no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace." The British government is authorizing defense firm MBDA to release classified information to aid Ukraine and France in establishing local production of the long-range SCALP missile. French President Emmanuel Macron also pledged to deliver new interceptor missiles, stating, "It is crucial to provide Ukraine with all the necessary means to defend its skies and thwart this aggression."

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It is crucial to provide Ukraine with all the necessary means to defend its skies and thwart this aggression.