Ukraine Seeks Air Defense and Funding

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on members of the Coalition of the Willing to strengthen military support for Ukraine, including by providing at least 300 Patriot missiles ahead of the winter months. Speaking at a meeting in Kyiv on Ukraine’s Independence Day, Zelenskyy said continued Russian missile attacks made air defense an urgent priority.

Zelenskyy also raised a $27 billion funding gap in Ukraine’s defense budget. He proposed bringing forward part of European loan financing planned for next year, while urging partners to consider other options, including the use of frozen Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine’s defense.

The president said Russia was seeking to block Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea and called for international support to keep maritime routes open. He said discussions would include European Union decisions, solidarity corridors and other measures to restore sea access.

Zelenskyy thanked British Prime Minister Andy and French President Emmanuel Macron, identified as co-chairs of the coalition, as well as other participating partners. He also urged progress on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and said the meeting should produce concrete security decisions rather than only political discussions.