**Ukraine’s Allies Convene in Kyiv as Zelenskyy Seeks Air Defence Boost**
*Kyiv, Ukraine - August 24, 2026* - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened a meeting of key European allies in Kyiv to discuss enhancing the country’s air defence capabilities amid escalating Russian missile attacks. The summit, dubbed the “Coalition of the Willing,” was held on Ukraine’s Independence Day and aimed to address the urgent need for increased military support as the conflict with Russia intensifies.
The meeting, which took place on August 23, was jointly chaired by the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. While many leaders participated via video call, a select group of foreign dignitaries attended in person. Among those present was UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, marking his first foreign visit since taking office last month. European Council President Antonio Costa also attended the summit in Kyiv.
In the lead-up to the meeting, President Zelenskyy emphasized the dire need for additional interceptor missiles to bolster Ukraine's air defence systems. The capital city has faced a surge in missile and drone attacks from Russia, forcing many residents to seek shelter in metro stations and basements. Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for more military supplies from Ukraine's allies, highlighting a significant decrease in the delivery of crucial Patriot interceptors over the past few years.
During the summit, Zelenskyy pointed out that deliveries of these vital air defence systems had halved since 2023. He noted that Ukraine received 675 missiles throughout 2023, but this number dropped to 364 in 2025, despite an increase in Russian missile strikes. For the current year, projections indicate that only 264 missiles will be delivered, prompting Ukraine to request a package of at least 300 interceptors to prepare for the upcoming winter.
The meeting follows a recent gathering of Nordic and Baltic leaders in Kyiv, where they pledged to enhance their support for Ukraine. Notably, Norway announced its commitment to provide an additional 85 billion kroner (approximately $9.1 billion) in 2027, matching the support it had extended to Ukraine in the previous year.
As the summit unfolded, the situation on the ground remained tense, with both Russia and Ukraine escalating their air attacks. Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian logistics sites, including e-commerce companies such as Wildberries and Ozon. Reports indicated that Ozon experienced fires at its warehouses in Krasnodar and Makhachkala, prompting evacuations due to threats of drone attacks.
Tragically, Russian authorities reported casualties from drone debris in Krasnodar, where two children were killed, and nine others were injured, including seven minors. In addition, debris from drone attacks fell on residential buildings and ignited fires in the area. In the Stavropol region, a drone attack on an industrial site was reportedly repelled by local authorities.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, a Russian drone strike on an electric train in the Kharkiv region resulted in the deaths of at least two women and injuries to five others. Another attack on the outskirts of Kharkiv city led to three fatalities and eight injuries.
The ongoing conflict has prompted Ukraine's allies to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the country’s air defences in light of the increasing threat from Russian missile attacks. The discussions in Kyiv reflect a growing urgency among Western nations to support Ukraine as it navigates the challenges posed by Russia's military actions.
As the situation continues to evolve, the outcome of the summit and the pledges made by Ukraine’s allies will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s defence strategy in the months ahead.