Ukraine backers gather as war escalates, air defense runs low

Ukraine convened a meeting of its key European backers on Monday to push for critical air-defense supplies and increased pressure on Russia following the war's escalating intensity. Russian attacks have claimed more civilian lives than at any time since the 2022 invasion, prompting Ukrainian President Zelensky to call for more air-defense support after each assault.

The meeting, chaired jointly by Britain, France, and Germany, comes as Russia intensifies its attacks on Kyiv, using ballistic missiles to destroy apartment buildings and kill dozens of citizens. Zelensky's administration has also targeted Russian logistics sites, including warehouses of e-commerce giant Ozon, resulting in fires and evacuations.

The United States faces its own shortfall in Patriot interceptors, hindering Ukraine's ability to defend its skies.