Ukraine Allies Defy Moscow Threats, Pledge Air Defense Boost and Missile Production

Ukraine's allies gathered on Monday in Kyiv, the country's capital, on the nation's Independence Day to strengthen their support amid Russia's escalating attacks and threats from Moscow. The meeting was chaired by the leaders of France, Germany, and Britain, with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham participating in person. Burnham expressed Ukraine's appreciation, stating, "Despite Russia's outrageous threats to my country, we will continue our support for Ukraine's defense."

Russia has intensified its attacks on Kyiv, launching ballistic missiles that have damaged buildings and killed dozens. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for boosting the production of drones and missiles to retaliate against Russia's aggression. He urged increased funding, stating, "We need more money – much more."

Burnham emphasized that Ukraine would never cede territory Russia could win on the battlefield, and negotiations should begin from the frontline. France's President Emmanuel Macron warned that Russia might escalate attacks against European countries to deter assistance to Ukraine. He warned that NATO nations would become targets, and provocations would intensify.

The European Union released an additional €6.1 billion ($7.1 billion) in military aid to bolster Ukraine's air defenses, as part of a larger €90 billion ($104 billion) loan package. Ukraine intensified its offensive against Russia's logistics facilities, targeting warehouses belonging to the e-commerce giant Ozon. Russian authorities reported that a Ukrainian drone attack had killed three children and injured eight others.

British defense firm MBDA has been authorized to release classified information to aid Ukraine and France in establishing local production of the long-range Storm Shadow/SCALP missile. Putin responded by saying that Kyiv had "opened Pandora's box" and promised further escalation, including attacks on Ukrainian agriculture. Macron pledged to deliver new interceptor missiles to bolster Ukraine's defense against Russia's high-arching ballistic missiles, which are challenging to intercept due to their speed and trajectory.