"Coalition of the Willing"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine cannot counter Russian ballistic strikes with its own air defense systems. This requires pressure on Russia, including a package of appropriate weapons.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with a group of European leaders and representatives of the "Coalition of the Willing" after a meeting with Donald Trump. Among the participants were Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa, Alexander Stubb, the Prime Minister of Norway, Keir Starmer, Meloni, NATO Secretary General Rutte, and Tusk.
On October 18, millions of people across the United States will demonstrate under the slogan "No Kings. " In the House of Representatives, Republican leaders stated that this is a "demonstration against the USA." There are also comments that the rallies are intended to distract from the shutdown of Congress.
Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal called on partners to invest 0. 25% of GDP in Ukraine's defense to cover $60 billion out of the $120 billion needed for military purposes. An alternative is a loan secured by frozen Russian assets to finance the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The 11th meeting of the IT Coalition in Stockholm will accelerate technology procurement for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and increase funding for digital projects. Since September 2023, the coalition has raised over 1.2 billion euros for the development of technological capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth in Brussels emphasized the principle of "peace through strength. " He noted that allies' commitments will soon turn into capabilities, including the PURL initiative.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said that the US expects European allies to continue purchasing weapons for Ukraine. Important announcements regarding arms supplies are expected on October 15.
On October 15, a large-scale meeting in the Ramstein format and the Ukraine-NATO Council with the participation of defense ministers are planned. The day's program includes statements, meetings, press conferences, and a meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense.
Six countries have contributed specific sums to assist Ukraine within the framework of the PURL initiative, which provides for the supply of American weapons at the expense of NATO funds. Seven more countries have expressed their readiness to join this program.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that Russia would pay if it did not come to the negotiating table, condemning the strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure. Paris promises support to Kyiv in restoring critical infrastructure.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding the situation on the battlefield, attacks on energy infrastructure, and the PURL initiative. They also discussed cooperation within the coalition and further steps.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with President of Finland Alexander Stubb. The leaders discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, preparations for the coalition of the willing in October and November, as well as Russia's strike on critical infrastructure.
A Ukrainian delegation led by Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko will visit the US next week. Air defense, energy, sanctions, the negotiation track, and frozen assets will be discussed.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that incidents involving MiGs and drones in EU airspace are part of a hybrid war. She presented the "Preserving Peace - Readiness Roadmap 2030" with three main points to counter threats.
The Czech Republic is considering the possibility of transferring about 30 modernized T-72M4CZ tanks to Ukraine after their upgrade is completed. This decision was made to support the combat capability of the tank army and is in line with the security interests of the Czech Republic.
President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Pere Joan Pons Sampietro announced in the Verkhovna Rada the initiation of the OSCE PA's accession to the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts and coordinated international actions for the safe return of children.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė. The parties discussed defense assistance, joint weapons production, investments in the Ukrainian defense industry, and strengthening air defense to protect energy infrastructure.
The G7+ group held an urgent meeting due to Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Over 100 representatives from countries and international organizations discussed the consequences of the strikes and the immediate needs for recovery.
President Zelenskyy reacted to the Russian drone attack on the railway station in Shostka, Sumy region. Dozens of people are known to have been injured, including Ukrzaliznytsia employees and passengers.
A ceremony was held in Mikkeli, Finland, to open NATO's ground forces headquarters in Northern Europe, located 300 km from St. Petersburg. Initially, the headquarters will have 10 personnel, with the number later increasing to 50. Its task is to command and coordinate the Alliance's ground forces operations.
President Zelenskyy met with the leaders of Denmark, France, Germany, and Poland in Copenhagen. They discussed violations of Russian airspace, the creation of a joint air shield, and security guarantees.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni. Threats from Russia and security guarantees were discussed, as well as preparations for the next coalition meeting.
French President Emmanuel Macron, at a summit in Copenhagen, spoke about the need for greater unpredictability to strengthen deterrence. He noted that drones violating airspace can be destroyed and called for increased sanctions against Russia.
President Zelenskyy announced the receipt of funding for 4 aid packages for the purchase of American weapons within the framework of the PURL initiative. The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, and Canada have contributed a total of over $2 billion.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that the Coalition of the Willing to support Ukraine is ready. He called it one of the most important security projects for Europe in recent decades, possibly since the emergence of NATO.
In Warsaw, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha discussed with his counterparts from the Weimar Triangle the situation at the front, Ukraine's military needs, and a joint response to Russia's escalation. They also discussed Ukraine's rapid accession to the EU as a security guarantee.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez, discussing the situation on the Russian-Ukrainian front and the peace process. Sánchez confirmed political support for Ukraine, particularly on its path to EU membership, and emphasized the importance of unity between Europe and the US for achieving peace.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated at a meeting of the UN Security Council in New York that UN countries must unite efforts to force Russia to move towards peace. He emphasized that Russia uses its veto power in the Security Council to prolong the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is building a new security architecture together with Great Britain, France, and over 30 countries. This is happening after the Budapest Memorandum, which was supposed to guarantee security, "failed" and turned into "empty words."
Ukraine, the EU, and 36 countries jointly called on Russia to stop the killings and start negotiations with Ukraine. The statement was made at the UN on September 23, 2025.