Following the Coalition of the Willing meeting held in Kyiv on August 24 in a hybrid format, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented the key decisions made by partners. According to his statement at the press conference, Ukraine has received new military and energy support packages, with air defense named as the main direction of further assistance from allies. The meeting brought together both leaders present in person and participants who joined via video link, which, in the words of the head of state, allowed the agenda to be closed and specific steps to be agreed upon.
Air Defense — The Top Priority of Support
Zelensky stated directly that strengthening the air defense system is a priority for partners amid ongoing strikes on Ukrainian territory. He thanked allies for the financing and for "additional funds for drones," noting that it is precisely air defense and the unmanned component that form the foundation of the defense model for the coming period. The president separately highlighted the contribution of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany: according to the publication, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited Ukraine for the first time, while Friedrich Merz joined online and closed the session, and Emmanuel Macron also took part in the forum's work.
Energy Ahead of Winter and the Financial Tranche
The main practical challenge, Zelensky said, is protecting Ukraine's energy infrastructure ahead of the winter season. He reported that Europe is preparing a new loan tranche worth 6.1 billion euros, and the Ukrainian prime minister, during the session, informed partners of the country's financial needs. The president emphasized that the funding shortfall is the "mathematics of war" that must be addressed jointly, and that energy resilience will become one of the criteria for assessing the effectiveness of aid.
The Diplomatic Track and the "Shadow Fleet"
On the diplomatic front, Zelensky stated that Ukraine considers Europe's presence at the table of peace negotiations with Russia necessary "in any case." At the same time, he candidly noted the skepticism of many of the leaders present regarding Vladimir Putin's readiness to negotiate at the current stage. In addition, he said, Macron proposed strengthening efforts to counter the "shadow fleet," and Ukraine intends to hold a separate meeting on this issue. The head of state also appealed to the leaders not to allow gaps between Coalition of the Willing sessions and to hold the corresponding meeting already in September.
Contradictory Data
In the transcript of Zelensky's statement, the thanks for the air defense package is addressed to a figure referred to in the text as "Alex," whereas in some materials following the same summit, the contribution to strengthening air defense ahead of winter is attributed primarily to the United Kingdom and its Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Thus, there is an inconsistency in the public versions as to whose name appears in the president's direct speech and who is the main guarantor of the air defense package. Until the official transcription and confirmation of the speaker lists, both versions remain in view, and the editorial team openly records this discrepancy.
Meeting Format and Further Defense Steps
The August 24 session was held in a hybrid format: some participants worked in person, others via video link. In addition to the air defense and energy packages, partners announced a number of defense initiatives, including preparing Gripen fighters for the transfer of SCALP missile technology and new agreements on joint drone production. The next Coalition of the Willing meeting, at Kyiv's request, is scheduled for September, which should ensure the continuity of support without gaps between sessions.
