Allies Push for More Air Defence Aid as Ukraine Faces Missile Shortages

Western leaders are set to gather in Paris on Monday to discuss boosting air defence support for Ukraine, as shortages leave the country increasingly vulnerable to Russian ballistic missile strikes. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will join more than 25 world leaders for the meeting, part of ongoing efforts to build a unified position ahead of any potential talks with Russia and to shape security guarantees for a future peace deal.

Deadly Weekend Strikes Add Urgency

The talks follow a wave of Russian missile and drone attacks on Saturday that killed eight people and injured dozens more. Zelenskiy has renewed calls for faster weapons deliveries, while French officials say June was one of the deadliest months of the war for civilian casualties. Russia maintains it only targets military-related sites.

Focus on Countering Ballistic Missiles

Discussions will center on securing more U.S. Patriot interceptors, speeding up deployment of the Franco Italian SAMP-T system, and exploring how European and Ukrainian defence industries could jointly build alternative systems. Ukraine has struggled to intercept ballistic missiles in recent weeks due to low munitions stocks.

Sanctions and Broader Support Planned

Leaders will also discuss tightening restrictions on Russia’s “shadow fleet” of tankers used to bypass oil sanctions, ahead of the EU’s 21st sanctions package expected next week. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to announce new bilateral defence initiatives, along with joint military exercises tied to a proposed multinational force in Ukraine.