Ukraine’s allies convene in Kyiv as Zelenskyy seeks air defence boost

Key Points:

• Ukraine will host a "Coalition of the Willing" meeting in Kyiv, co-chaired remotely by France and Germany and in-person by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President Antonio Costa, to discuss air defence and increase pressure on Moscow amid escalating Russian missile attacks.
• The meeting coincides with Ukraine’s Independence Day and follows National Flag Day celebrations, where Nordic and Baltic leaders pledged enhanced support, including Norway's announcement of an additional $9.1 billion aid package for 2027.
• Russia and Ukraine have intensified drone and missile strikes targeting locations far beyond the front lines, including Russian logistics sites linked to e-commerce companies, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly appealed for more air defence supplies, highlighting that deliveries of Patriot interceptor missiles have significantly decreased despite increased Russian attacks, with Ukraine seeking at least 300 missiles for the upcoming winter.
• Recent attacks have caused fatalities and injuries on both sides, including drone debris hitting a childcare centre in Krasnodar, Russia, and a Russian drone strike on an electric train near Kharkiv, Ukraine, underscoring the escalating human toll of the conflict.