Kathmandu— Ukraine is hosting a meeting of its key European allies in Kyiv to address the urgent need for enhanced air defense capabilities, as Russia continues to intensify missile and drone strikes. The “Coalition of the Willing” gathering, co-chaired by leaders from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, saw most participants joining via video conference with select dignitaries attending in person on Monday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly appealed for more air defense supplies amid escalating attacks that have forced civilians into shelters, and is seeking to secure a substantial increase in interceptor missiles before winter. The meeting coincides with Ukraine’s Independence Day and follows a separate gathering of Nordic and Baltic leaders who pledged continued support.

International Support Gathering

The meeting in Kyiv brought together leaders from across Europe, including UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham on his first foreign trip since taking office last month, and European Council President Antonio Costa. The “Coalition of the Willing” aims to coordinate further assistance for Ukraine as it defends against ongoing Russian aggression. Norway has already committed an additional 85 billion kroner ($9.1bn) in support for 2027, matching its aid provided this year.

Escalating Attacks on Both Sides

Recent weeks have seen a marked escalation of aerial attacks by both Russia and Ukraine, extending beyond the immediate front lines. Ukrainian forces have increasingly targeted Russian logistics sites, including those associated with e-commerce companies Wildberries and Ozon. On Monday, Ozon reported fires at warehouses in Krasnodar and Makhachkala, prompting evacuations at other facilities due to drone threats. Russian authorities reported that two children were killed and nine others injured when debris from a drone struck a childcare center in Krasnodar.

Civilian Casualties and Urgent Air Defense Needs

The attacks have resulted in civilian casualties on both sides of the conflict. In Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, at least two women were killed and five wounded when a Russian drone hit an electric train on Sunday, while three people died and eight were injured in an attack near Kharkiv city. President Zelenskyy has highlighted a critical shortfall in air defense interceptors, noting that deliveries have decreased from 675 missiles in 2023 to a projected 264 for 2026 despite increased Russian strikes. He is seeking a package of at least 300 interceptor missiles to prepare for the upcoming winter.

Zelenskyy’s Plea for Interceptors

"Over the entire of 2023, Ukraine received 675 missiles, and over all of 2025 – 364, even though Russian missile strikes have increased," Zelenskyy said. “For 2026, as currently projected, it is 264,” he added, saying Ukraine was seeking a package of at least 300 for the upcoming winter.

The outcome of the meeting and any concrete pledges of additional air defense assistance remain to be seen, but the gathering underscores continued international support for Ukraine as it confronts ongoing Russian aggression.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.