Ukraine Urges Allies to Bolster Air Defense Amid Fresh Wave of Attacks
Al Jazeera Staff
Ukraine convened a summit with key European allies on air defense as Russia and Ukraine continue to exchange drone and missile strikes, with Kyiv pressing for more interceptor missiles before winter.
On August 24, Ukraine hosted the "Coalition of the Willing" summit in Kyiv, co-chaired by the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany. Most leaders participated via video link, while several senior officials attended in person, including British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President Antonio Costa.
Kyiv was expected to ask allies for more interceptor missiles after weeks of intensified Russian missile and drone strikes that have driven residents of the capital into shelters. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly called publicly for additional air defense systems.
The event coincided with Ukraine's Independence Day, a day after Flag Day, when leaders of Nordic and Baltic countries met with Zelenskyy and pledged increased aid. Norway announced an additional 85 billion kroner ($9.1 billion) for Ukraine in 2027, matching its support level this year.
Drone Attacks Escalate
Russia and Ukraine have intensified drone and missile strikes in recent weeks, targeting locations far from the front lines. Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian logistical hubs, including sites linked to e-commerce companies Wildberries and Ozon.
Ozon reported fires at warehouses in Krasnodar and Makhachkala in southern Russia on the morning of August 24, and evacuated staff at facilities in Adygeisk and Nevinnomyssk due to the threat of strikes. Russian officials confirmed two children were killed and nine people injured, including seven minors, when drone debris hit a private childcare center in Krasnodar. Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said debris also struck apartment buildings and caused warehouse fires.
In the Stavropol region, home to several chemical plants, Governor Vladimir Vladimirov said an overnight drone attack on an industrial zone was repelled early on August 24.
On the Ukrainian side, at least two women were killed and five injured when a Russian drone struck a tram in Kharkiv Oblast on August 23. An attack on the outskirts of Kharkiv city killed three and wounded eight.
Allies have pledged to bolster Ukraine's depleted air defenses. Ahead of the summit, President Zelenskyy said Patriot interceptor missile supplies from partners had halved compared to 2023, despite an increase in Russian attacks. He added: "In all of 2023, Ukraine received 675 missiles; in all of 2025, 364; and in 2026, 264 are expected." Ukraine is seeking a minimum aid package of 300 interceptor missiles for the coming winter.
