Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Britain, France Pledge Stronger Support as Ukraine Marks Independence Day
Ukraine marked its Independence Day while its war with Russia continued.
Leaders from Britain, France and other countries met in Kyiv to show support.
Britain said Ukraine could use classified technology to help make Storm Shadow missiles.
France and other allies said they would speed up deliveries of air-defense missiles.
Ukraine says it needs at least 300 Patriot interceptors to protect its cities and energy systems.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also said Ukraine needs more money to cover a $27 billion defense gap.
Britain urged allies to keep sanctioning Russia and limiting its ability to pay for the war.
Russia said Britain’s technology decision would worsen relations and increase tensions.
Ukraine also displayed drones and announced that 10 Ukrainian servicemen had returned from captivity or missing status.
Britain and France pledged stronger military support for Ukraine at a Kyiv meeting marking its Independence Day.
Britain will give Ukraine access to classified technology to begin producing Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine needs at least 300 Patriot interceptors before winter and faces a $27 billion defense funding gap.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for greater sanctions pressure on Russia and promised continued support for Ukraine.
Ukraine demonstrated military drones, announced the return of 10 servicemen, and said fighting continues along a 750-mile front line.
- Who
- President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, French President Emmanuel Macron, European Council President Antonio Costa, and other allied leaders.
- What
- Allies pledged stronger military, financial, technological, and air-defense support for Ukraine during Independence Day events.
- When
- August 24, during Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence.
- Where
- Kyiv, Ukraine, with Emmanuel Macron joining the coalition meeting by video link.
- Why
- The allies said Ukraine needs help defending against Russian missile and drone attacks, while Ukraine seeks to stop the war without surrendering territory.
Ukraine and Its Allies
Russia and the Kremlin
Military support
Ukraine and Its Allies
Ukraine and its allies say faster air-defense deliveries and access to missile technology are needed to protect Ukrainian cities and strengthen the country’s defenses.
Russia and the Kremlin
The Kremlin said Britain’s transfer of classified technology would worsen relations and add fuel to the conflict.
Territorial concessions
Ukraine and Its Allies
Zelenskiy said Ukraine wants peace but will not simply surrender, arguing that giving up territory would not stop Russia’s aggression.
Russia and the Kremlin
Ukraine refused Russian demands to cede more territory, according to the report, and fighting has continued.
Pressure and war financing
Ukraine and Its Allies
Britain urged further sanctions against Russia, while Zelenskiy proposed using Russia’s frozen overseas assets to help cover Ukraine’s defense funding gap.
Russia and the Kremlin
The report says Russia continues its attacks and has warned Britain of consequences over support for Ukraine.
- Military technology
- Britain will allow Ukraine access to classified technology to begin producing Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles.
- Air-defense request
- Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine needs at least 300 U.S.-made Patriot interceptors to get through the winter.
- Funding gap
- Zelenskiy said Ukraine faces a $27 billion defense funding shortfall this year.
- Front line
- Fighting continues along a front line about 750 miles, or 1,200 kilometers, long.
- Returned servicemen
- Ukraine announced the return of 10 servicemen previously listed as missing in action through a special prisoner exchange with Russia.
- Drone demonstration
- Ukraine displayed aerial drones, naval drones on the Dnipro River, and unmanned ground vehicles in Kyiv.
- Russian response
- The Kremlin said using classified British technology would add fuel to worsening relations and referred to possible consequences.