Portugal‘s Costa Assures Ukraine of Sustained Financial Support Amidst Push for Increased Weapons Donations
LONDON – As Ukraine prepares for winter, a concerted international effort is underway to bolster its defenses, both financially and militarily. Today, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is hosting a meeting of the “coalition of the willing” – a group of 26 primarily European nations supporting Ukraine – wiht Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in attendance. The meeting aims to secure increased donations of long-range weaponry and unlock billions in funding for Ukrainian defense through the use of frozen Russian assets.
This push for sustained support comes as Portugal’s Prime Minister Antonio Costa stated unequivocally that “Ukraine will have the financial resources it needs to defend itself against russian aggression.” While details of Costa’s contribution weren’t immediately available, his statement underscores the commitment of key allies.
Starmer is expected to urge coalition members to “increase the donation of long-range weapons” to Kyiv, recognizing the critical need to strengthen Ukraine’s position as colder weather approaches. Leaders attending the meeting include Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Dutch counterpart Dick Schoof, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. French President Emmanuel Macron is among twenty other leaders participating via videoconference.
The coalition, co-led by Starmer and Macron, is also focused on completing the legal framework to utilize frozen russian assets to fund Ukraine’s defense. Currently, European nations supply long-range missiles – such as French Scalps and British Storm Shadows – but in limited quantities.Ukraine has requested German Taurus missiles and American Tomahawks,requests which have so far been denied.
Alongside the call for increased donations, Starmer is set to announce an acceleration of a British defensive missile manufacturing program. This program aims to deliver over 5,000 devices to Ukraine, with an initial shipment of 140 “light multirole missiles” expected this winter.
This coordinated effort highlights the ongoing international commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of continued Russian aggression.The focus on both financial and military aid signals a long-term strategy to ensure Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.
