Ukraine allies pledge more air defense support despite Russian threats
Ukraine’s allies pledged on Aug. 24 to increase military support and make air defense an urgent priority, saying Russian threats would not deter them as leaders met in Kiev and by video link on the country’s Independence Day.
The Coalition of the Willing meeting was chaired by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Burnham was in Kiev on his first overseas trip since taking office, alongside several European leaders.
In a joint statement, the coalition condemned Russia’s escalating attacks on Ukrainian cities, infrastructure and civilians. Its members pledged to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses, expand cooperation with its defense industry, share technology and increase sanctions on Russia’s military-industrial sector.
