Zelensky stated this at the beginning of the celebration of Ukraine's 35th Independence Day, which was attended by leaders from several countries friendly to Ukraine. According to Zelensky, additional troops are needed by Russia primarily to fully capture the Donetsk region — a goal that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been trying to achieve since 2014. The Ukrainian army still controls the territory around Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. As noted by the Dutch public broadcaster NOS, rumors that the Kremlin may conduct a new mobilization have been circulating for some time. However, it is still unclear what specific number of people may be involved. "The difference from previous mobilization campaigns is that this time the mobilization may be compulsory. Due to the war and sanctions, the Russian economy is experiencing difficult times. Unlike before, there is no money to attract volunteers with high salaries," the NOS report states. Zelensky also addressed Putin directly. According to the Ukrainian president, the Russian leader made a mistake by deciding to attack Ukraine. Ukraine has managed to withstand the Russian offensive, and now, Zelensky stated, Russians are forced to stand in lines at gas stations as Ukraine destroys oil refineries and fuel storage facilities. Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine is not ready to give up its territories in exchange for peace. According to him, Kyiv does not trust Putin and does not believe that the Russian president is genuinely ready to conclude a peace agreement. ## European Guests Arrive in Kyiv Amid this backdrop, British Prime Minister Burnham, European Council President António Costa, and other European leaders arrived in Kyiv. They intend to participate in a meeting of representatives from countries supporting Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will also participate in the negotiations, although likely remotely. For Burnham, this is his first foreign trip as Prime Minister. During the visit, he is expected to announce the UK's agreement to produce Storm Shadow missiles in Ukraine. Storm Shadow is a Franco-British cruise missile that allows Ukraine to strike targets deep within Russian territory or in the Black Sea region. The UK has been supplying these missiles to Ukraine since 2023, but until now, there has been no production line for Storm Shadow on Ukrainian territory. "Ukraine's security is our security," Burnham stated before the trip. "Ukrainians should not doubt this: the UK stands with you and will support you for as long as necessary." ## Ukraine Expects 600 Patriot Missiles However, Storm Shadow missiles cannot eliminate one of the most serious threats that Ukraine currently faces — Russian ballistic missiles. According to Zelensky, Russia intends to increase their production to 1,300 missiles per year. Currently, estimates suggest that Russia produces about 600 such missiles annually. To intercept them, Ukraine needs missiles for Patriot systems. Zelensky reported that an agreement has been reached for the supply of 600 Patriot missiles, but Ukraine will only be able to receive them in 2028. French President Emmanuel Macron also promised to provide Ukraine with the latest SAMP/T-NG air defense system. It is also designed to intercept ballistic missiles, but it has yet to be tested in real combat conditions. In addition, Ukraine will be allowed to produce missiles for this system independently. Thus, Kyiv expects further increases in the size of the Russian army while simultaneously trying to enhance its own capabilities to counter missile strikes. Against this backdrop, European allies are discussing new arms supplies and relocating part of the missile production directly to Ukrainian territory.
