Ukraine’s Allies Convene as Fighting Escalates and Air Defence Stocks Dwindle

Ukraine’s Air Defence Under Strain as Allies Meet Amid Escalating Russian Attacks

Ukraine is hosting key European backers on Monday as Kyiv seeks more air-defence systems and tougher action against Moscow amid a surge in deadly Russian strikes.

The Coalition of the Willing meeting will be jointly chaired by the leaders of Britain, France and Germany. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is travelling to Kyiv, while other leaders are expected to participate remotely. EU Council President Antonio Costa is also due to attend.

The talks come as Russian missile attacks on Kyiv have intensified, with strikes damaging apartment buildings and killing civilians. Ukrainian authorities say civilian deaths have reached their highest levels since the early months of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

Kyiv Seeks Urgent Air Defence

President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly appealed to Ukraine’s allies for more air-defence systems following Russian attacks. Ballistic missiles pose a particular challenge because of their speed and trajectory. Ukraine relies heavily on advanced systems, including US-made Patriot interceptors, to counter such threats.

However, the supply of these missiles has come under increasing pressure as global stocks remain limited.

Patriot Supplies Falling

Zelensky has revealed that deliveries of Patriot interceptors to Ukraine have declined sharply. Ukraine received 675 missiles in 2023, compared with 364 in 2025. Current projections for 2026 stand at just 264, according to Zelensky.

Kyiv is seeking at least 300 interceptors ahead of the coming winter, when Russian attacks on energy and other critical infrastructure could intensify. Zelensky has also claimed Russia can produce around 100 ballistic missiles each month, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing Ukrainian air defences.

Britain and France Promise Support

Burnham is expected to announce that Britain will allow defence company MBDA to share classified information needed to help Ukraine and France establish local production of the long-range SCALP missile. French President Emmanuel Macron has separately pledged new interceptor missiles for Ukraine, saying Kyiv needs the necessary means to defend its airspace.

Ukraine Expands Strikes Inside Russia

As it seeks greater protection from allies, Ukraine has stepped up its own long-range strikes against Russian targets, including oil refineries and logistics facilities.

The Coalition of the Willing was initially established around plans for European countries to potentially deploy peacekeeping forces in Ukraine following a ceasefire. It has since developed into a broader mechanism for coordinating support for Kyiv as uncertainty continues over the future level of US backing.

With peace talks stalled and Russian attacks intensifying, Ukraine is entering another critical phase of the war with its air-defence capabilities under growing pressure.