Ukraine hosts allies in Kyiv to discuss air‑defence amid drone attacks

Leaders of the “Coalition of the Willing,” a group of Western nations that have pledged military assistance to Kyiv, convened on Thursday to address a growing shortfall in air‑defence equipment for Ukraine. The talks, held in Brussels, brought together senior officials from the United States, United Kingdom, Poland, the Baltic states and several other allies to assess supply chains, prioritize deliveries and explore additional funding mechanisms. Participants highlighted that recent Russian drone strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and the reciprocal use of unmanned aerial systems by Kyiv have intensified the demand for modern surface‑to‑air missiles and radar assets, which existing stockpiles are unable to fully meet.

In the interim, both sides have continued to employ drones as a primary tool of warfare, with Russia targeting power grids in the east and south, while Ukrainian forces have launched retaliatory attacks on logistical hubs in occupied territories. Coalition representatives affirmed their commitment to accelerate the provision of Patriot, NASAMS and other short‑range systems, and to coordinate with NATO’s air‑defence planning cell to streamline future transfers. The meeting concluded with an agreement to issue a joint statement outlining concrete delivery timelines and to reconvene in two weeks to review progress.