As Russia&rsquo;s winter bombardments escalate, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in London on Friday to meet key European leaders in a renewed push for military support. The talks, hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the Foreign Office, form part of the &ldquo;Coalition of the Willing,&rdquo; a bloc of nations determined to maintain pressure on the Kremlin and reinforce Ukraine&rsquo;s defences.
Zelenskyy, alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, will explore ways to protect Ukraine&rsquo;s vulnerable energy grid from Moscow&rsquo;s relentless drone and missile strikes. About 20 other leaders are expected to join the discussions via videolink, focusing on strengthening Ukraine&rsquo;s air defence and providing longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory.
Ahead of the meeting, Starmer condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin&rsquo;s refusal to seek peace, saying, &ldquo;Time and again we offer Putin the chance to end his needless invasion, to stop the killing and recall his troops, but he repeatedly rejects those proposals and any chance of peace.&rdquo; The meeting comes as fresh sanctions from the US and EU target Russia&rsquo;s vital oil and gas revenues,&nbsp; an effort to choke the financial fuel sustaining its war machine.
On the ground, the conflict shows little sign of slowing. Moscow&rsquo;s forces claim to have seized more villages in Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk, while Ukraine continues drone offensives deep inside Russian territory. A Ukrainian drone strike reportedly hit a residential tower in Krasnogorsk, near Moscow, injuring several civilians,&nbsp; a rare attack so close to the Russian capital. As both sides trade nightly drone assaults, the hope for a ceasefire remains distant, and Europe&rsquo;s resolve is being tested once more.

Zelenskyy in London to Rally Europe’s Support

Leaders to discuss tougher aid measures and sanctions as Russia’s strikes intensify

Zelenskyy in London to Rally Europe’s Support

Leaders to discuss tougher aid measures and sanctions as Russia’s strikes intensify

October 24, 2025 | 18:30 IST