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On the 35th anniversary of its independence, Ukraine received a strong military support message from Britain and France, with London pledging to provide Kyiv with secret technologies to help it locally manufacture long-range "Storm Shadow" missiles, while Paris committed to accelerating the delivery of missiles and air defense systems, at a time when Ukrainian cities are facing an escalation in Russian attacks.

The pledges came during a meeting of the "willing" coalition in the capital Kyiv, coinciding with Ukraine's celebrations of its independence from the Soviet Union, while British Prime Minister Andy Burnham called on his country's allies to do "everything they can" to enhance Ukraine's ability to counter Russian air attacks.

London Opens the "Storm Shadow" File

Britain announced that it would allow the company "MBDA" to provide confidential information related to British-made components used in the production of long-range "Storm Shadow" missiles, paving the way for the establishment of local assembly and production lines in Ukraine.

This step carries significant military importance for Kyiv, as the missile allows for long-range strikes against targets deep within Russian territory. France has also agreed to license the necessary technology for the joint European missile between the two countries.

Burnham, during his first foreign visit as Prime Minister in Kyiv, stated that Ukraine's security is part of his country's security, emphasizing continued British support for Kyiv.

Russia: "Pouring Oil on the Fire"

Russia quickly criticized the British move, considering that providing secret technology to Ukraine would lead to further escalation in relations between Russia and Britain.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that London is "pouring oil on the fire," accusing Britain of working to obstruct any progress towards a peaceful settlement of the conflict, warning that Russia is gathering information about missile production sites in Ukraine with the aim of targeting them.

These statements come after previous Russian warnings to Britain regarding its military support for Kyiv, amid an increase in long-range Ukrainian attacks on Russian facilities.

Kyiv Requests 300 "Patriot" Missiles

In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky focused during the allies' meeting on the air defense crisis, demanding the provision of at least 300 interceptor missiles from the American "Patriot" system to ensure his country's ability to face Russian missile attacks during the upcoming winter.

Ukraine is suffering from a severe shortage of "Patriot" missiles, which are the only system available in its arsenal capable of intercepting high-speed Russian ballistic missiles.

The Ukrainian demands came after a series of deadly attacks targeting cities and vital facilities in recent weeks.

Zelensky urged his allies to provide an urgent package of air defense systems before Russia resumes its attacks on energy infrastructure as winter approaches.

Macron: Deliveries Must Be Accelerated

For his part, French President Emmanuel Macron, who participated in the coalition meeting via video link, called on allied countries to accelerate the delivery of missiles and air defense systems to Ukraine.

Macron emphasized that recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities have shown the need to enhance interceptor missile shipments, stressing that France will continue to play its role in this area.

Macron had pledged days earlier to expedite the delivery of French equipment and missiles to Ukraine, and expressed readiness to pressure countries that possess stocks of "Patriot" missiles to provide part of them to Kyiv.

Zelensky: We Want Peace but We Will Not Surrender

In a speech marking Independence Day, Zelensky affirmed that his country wants peace, but will not accept surrender or the relinquishment of more territory to Russia.

He stated that Ukraine's concession of more land in the east of the country would not necessarily guarantee the cessation of Russian aggression, emphasizing that Kyiv needs everything necessary to defend itself and end the war.

The Ukrainian president called on his allies to continue providing military and financial support, revealing a defense funding gap estimated at around $27 billion for this year, and proposing the use of frozen Russian assets abroad to help fill the deficit.

He added, addressing his allies: "We are not asking you to fight for us," indicating that what is needed is to provide the tools that enable Ukraine to continue defending its territory.

More than 50 Countries Call for a Ceasefire

In New York, more than 50 countries issued a joint statement reaffirming their support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling on Russia to accept an immediate, complete, and unconditional ceasefire.

The statement confirmed that the war and humanitarian suffering could end if Russia agrees to the ceasefire demanded by Ukraine and the international community.

In contrast, Russia's representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya, accused Western countries of using Ukraine as a tool to pressure Moscow while simultaneously presenting themselves as supporters of peace.

Showcasing Ukrainian Military Technology

Coinciding with the celebrations in Kyiv, Ukraine showcased some of its advanced military capabilities through a display of a range of drones and unmanned vehicles.

Drones flew over the capital, while naval drones moved on the Dnipro River, alongside unmanned ground vehicles, some equipped with heavy machine guns.

Ukraine increasingly relies on drones and long-range strikes to target oil refineries, logistical facilities, and military infrastructure within Russia, in an attempt to weaken Moscow's ability to continue the war.

In a notable humanitarian gesture during the Independence celebrations, Zelensky honored several soldiers who were killed in the war, presenting government medals to their mothers and family members.

He also announced the return of 10 Ukrainian soldiers who were listed as missing, as part of a special prisoner exchange with Russia, pledging to continue efforts to bring back all detained Ukrainian soldiers.

As the war enters its fifth year, Kyiv faces a more complex equation: escalating Russian military pressure, an increasing need for air defenses, against a backdrop of Western support aimed at enhancing Ukraine's ability to produce its long-range weapons domestically.