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

‘Coalition of the Willing’ leaders gather on Independence Day as Kyiv presses for air defence supplies.Ukraine will host a meeting with its key European allies to discuss air defence and press for greater pressure on Moscow as Russia continues to escalate missile attacks.The “Coalition of the Willing” meeting in Kyiv on Monday will be jointly chaired by the leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Germany, with most leaders expected to join by video call and a small number of foreign dignitaries attending in person.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Photos: Ukraine celebrates National Flag Daylist 2 of 3Russia, Ukraine trade attacks as Putin warns of ‘far more destructive’ hitslist 3 of 3Putin warns Ukraine has opened ‘Pandora’s box’, rejects peace proposalsend of listUK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will be in Kyiv for his first foreign trip since assuming office last month. European Council President Antonio Costa is also set to attend in person.Kyiv is expected to seek additional interceptor missiles from allies after weeks of Russian missile and drone attacks that have driven record numbers of the capital city’s residents to metro stations and basements to seek shelter.President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made frequent public appeals for more air defence supplies from allies.The meeting takes place on Ukraine’s Independence Day and comes a day after the country marked National Flag Day, when a group of leaders from Nordic and Baltic countries met Zelenskyy in Kyiv and pledged to boost their support for Ukraine.Norway said it would provide another 85 billion kroner ($9.1bn) in 2027, matching the support it gave Ukraine this year.Escalating air attacksRussia and Ukraine have escalated air attacks with drones and missiles in recent weeks, striking targets far beyond the front line.Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian logistics sites, carrying out attacks on locations linked to e-commerce companies Wildberries and Ozon.