Today, August 24th, is a special day in Kiev. We are celebrating 35 years of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union, but the war and the constantly increasing number of civilian victims weigh on the celebration. Also today, the Ukrainian capital hosts a new meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, with Zelensky who on the one hand talks about a plan developed with the US and the EU to stop the war and on the other returns to asking his main European supporters for help to defend himself and increase pressure on Russia.
Meanwhile, Moscow does not stand idly by. It wants intransigent territorial and political concessions, requests that Kiev has rejected because they are considered a capitulation destined, according to Ukraine, to leave the way open to a new Russian attack in the future. Not only that: according to the Wall Street Journal, huge exercises have been underway for weeks in view of a new possible call to arms.
The summit of the Willing
Kiev hosts a new meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. It takes place at a particularly delicate moment in the war, after Russian attacks have caused a higher number of civilian victims than recorded in any other period since the first months of the invasion. The meeting is co-chaired by the leaders of Britain, France and Germany, with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also participates via video link.
Zelensky calls on international partners for greater support for air defense. Target the Patriots to stop the Kremlin’s ballistic raids. He quantified the pieces needed to adequately defend the country at “300”. “We are aiming for 5-10% of US reserves, we are willing to pay,” he assured. But how? With EU funds.
EU help to Kiev
The European Commission has approved €6.1 billion in new defense procurement for Ukraine. The funding covers air and missile defense systems, missiles, ammunition and radar, reiterating Europe’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense and resilience in the face of continued Russian aggression. “On Ukraine’s Independence Day, Europe shows that our support is unwavering and concrete”, commented the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. “Today we approved 6.1 billion euros for air and missile defense systems, missiles, ammunition and radars that Ukraine urgently needs. As Russia intensifies its attacks, we are increasing our efforts to help Ukraine protect its people and defend its skies. Europe stands by Ukraine and we will provide it with what it needs, when it needs it,” he adds.
Today’s approval adds to the €16 billion in procurement plans already approved, of which €8.35 billion has already been disbursed. Ukraine can now request payments by presenting signed contracts with defense companies. The Commission will examine these contracts before disbursing the funds, to ensure that the financial assistance is used for supplies agreed with the Member States and the Commission.
On Ukraine’s Independence Day, we show our unfaltering support.
Today, we approved €6.1 billion for the air and missile defense systems, missiles, ammunition and radars that Ukraine urgently needs.
Europe stands with you today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes.
Yes, yes… pic.twitter.com/QCg62KaXqW
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 24, 2026
The peace plan
Today’s Volenterosi summit comes after Zelensky announced the development – with the US and EU – of a plan to end the war. It involves a ceasefire, the creation of a free economic zone and the withdrawal of troops, Ukrinform reported. The plan should be discussed by the Americans with Kiev and Moscow.
“We agreed – explained Zelensky – with Jared (Kushner, ed.) and Steve (Witkoff, ed.) and we summarized all these discussions in one point: what are the real possibilities of ending the war? The Americans want to talk with us and with the Russians. In short, there is an idea for a ceasefire: this is the main point. The second part concerns the American proposal for a free economic zone. That is, we and the Russians take the same steps back, thus creating a buffer zone, a sort of free economic zone, under some form of leadership. It is not yet clear which, but it will be a third party. And the third: what will the EU and NATO do and what is Ukraine willing to do in this regard? These are ideas shared by the Americans, by the Europeans, and they are the result of talks concluded between the Americans, us and the Russians – he said – In my opinion, there is something realistic in all this. the American side has some other ideas. They want to find the right time to share them. We are waiting for them.”
Russia towards the call to arms?
Meanwhile, Russia is reportedly conducting nationwide exercises to test the ability of its military structures to manage a new mobilization, while Moscow is struggling to recruit enough soldiers to compensate for losses in Ukraine. The Wall Street Journal reports this, citing Western intelligence officials.
In July, Russian officers reportedly conducted an exercise in Kaliningrad on procedures for mobilizing the local population, including simulating how to house, feed and arm new recruits. Similar activities are reportedly underway in other regions.
According to sources, the Kremlin has not yet decided on a new mobilization and could wait for the parliamentary elections at the end of September. However, the pressure increases with the difficulties in recruitment and with Vladimir Putin’s desire to conquer the entire Donbass.