Zelensky calls on allies to cover €27 billion gap for Ukraine’s air defence needs

President Volodymyr ​Zelensky on Monday urged Ukraine's ​allies to help ​cover a funding gap of €27 billion for ​its air defence needs ​in 2026. Ukraine is hosting a meeting of its key European backers in Kyiv as the country marks its 35th Independence Day. Read about the day’s events as they unfolded on our liveblog.