Key European allies of Ukraine are due to meet in Kyiv on Monday as Russian attacks intensify, with discussions expected to focus on expanding urgently needed air-defence supplies and increasing pressure on Moscow. Leaders of the “Coalition of the Willing,” jointly chaired by the United Kingdom, France and Germany, will take part, while some national leaders are expected to join by video conference. European Council President António Costa is also expected in Kyiv.

The meeting comes as civilian deaths from Russian attacks have reached their highest level since the first months after the war began in 2022, according to AFP. Recent weeks have seen repeated ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv, destroying residential buildings and killing many people in the capital. Thousands of residents have sought shelter in metro stations after nearly every attack, while others have gone to basements and shelters.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is making Kyiv his first international trip after taking office and said Britain would not retreat until a just and lasting peace is established. French President Emmanuel Macron pledged new missile-defence systems on Saturday. Ukraine says its own weapons cannot intercept the fast, high-flying ballistic missiles and relies on advanced systems, especially US-made Patriot defences.