Updated · Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty · Aug 23
UK Backs SCALP Assembly in Ukraine as Zelenskyy Seeks 30 Billion Euros for Air Defense
Updated
Updated · Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty · Aug 23
UK Backs SCALP Assembly in Ukraine as Zelenskyy Seeks 30 Billion Euros for Air Defense
3 articles · Updated · Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty · Aug 23
Summary
Britain said MBDA can release classified data on UK-made SCALP components so Ukraine can set up local missile assembly lines, a pledge unveiled before a Kyiv meeting of the 34-country Coalition of the Willing.
30 billion euros in European defense funding remains blocked pending Ukrainian parliamentary approval, and Zelenskyy said Kyiv also needs a promised 90 billion euro loan to cover a $27 billion military shortfall in 2026.
127 Russian strike drones were launched overnight on August 23, underscoring Zelenskyy’s push for more air defenses and for US licenses that would allow Patriot-system production to help counter ballistic attacks.
Norway pledged $9 billion for Ukraine next year, while Baltic and Nordic leaders called for more air defense, ammunition and sanctions pressure as Kyiv braces for another winter of war.
With Western stockpiles nearly depleted, can Ukraine's risky gamble to build sensitive missile factories on its own soil survive relentless Russian bombardment?
As European leaders prepare a post-ceasefire reassurance force, what secret security guarantees are actually being promised to Kyiv behind closed doors?
Why is the Coalition of the Willing quietly shifting from donating weapons to establishing highly classified missile assembly lines directly inside a warzone?