President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, which brought together representatives of more than 30 countries, both in person and online. This was the 16th meeting of the Coalition since its first gathering in February 2025.
The Head of State thanked all the partners who are helping our country defend its independence.
The President noted that Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Andy Burnham was taking part in a Coalition of the Willing meeting and chairing it for the first time, and thanked his country for supporting Ukraine’s defense.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also highlighted the leadership of President of France Emmanuel Macron as co-chair of the Coalition of the Willing.
“We value this format – the Coalition of the Willing – it brings together countries that are ready not only to talk about security, but to act – we need it – to act and to build real security together. So let us make this meeting truly productive – with real contributions to our security and decisions that make us stronger,” the President emphasized.
The Head of State noted that Russia continues its attacks and that ballistic missiles remain one of the greatest threats. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that it is important to secure a winter package of missiles for Patriot systems, and that Ukraine needs at least 300 such missiles for this winter.
“Every missile means lives saved. So please continue this work – through PURL, through bilateral dialogue, and different decisions,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
According to the Head of State, Ukraine is currently facing a funding gap, and there is a proposal to bring forward part of the European loan financing planned for next year and make it available this year.
“We should not give up on other ideas for how to ensure fair protection in this war – a war that Russia started and continues to prolong,” the President noted.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that it is important to find a fair way to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s defense.
The Head of State also noted separately that Russia is trying to completely block the Black Sea. Therefore, various available tools must be used to unblock the maritime corridor.
Another priority is Ukraine’s future accession to the European Union. The leaders also devoted special attention to this issue.
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom emphasized the importance of strengthening the protection of Ukrainian skies, especially during the winter period.
According to Andy Burnham, the countries of the Coalition of the Willing must replenish their air defense stocks and help Ukraine.
He noted that the UK government is ready to share Storm Shadow missile production technologies with Ukraine.
“I also ask British industry to support the FREYJA project in order to provide a less costly alternative to American Patriot systems for intercepting ballistic missiles,” the Prime Minister said.
Andy Burnham added that the partners must coordinate their efforts to increase sanctions pressure on Russia, particularly against the Russian shadow fleet.
President of France Emmanuel Macron noted that the Coalition of the Willing must accelerate the delivery of interceptor missiles to Ukraine to counter Russian ballistic attacks. According to him, it is important to strengthen joint sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet.
“It is quite clear that the fact that Ukraine lacks interceptor missiles and missile defense has direct consequences for people’s lives. As for short-term measures, energy is very important, so we will also follow the initiatives being undertaken to help you prepare for next winter,” the President of France emphasized.
Emmanuel Macron noted that the countries of the Coalition of the Willing must work together on reliable security guarantees for Ukraine.