European leaders vow military support on Ukraine's National Flag Day

Nordic and Baltic leaders joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a ceremony in Kyiv to mark the country's National Flag Day and pledge continued military support against Russian aggression.

On Sunday, leaders of Denmark, Norway, Finland, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia observed the flag-raising ceremony on the eve of Ukraine's Independence Day as a show of solidarity, four and a half years after Russia began its full-scale invasion.

Expressing his gratitude, Zelenskyy called the visiting leaders "true partners" who have supported and helped them in a common struggle.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said they would continue the support "for as long as it takes" and, in particular, help it get through the upcoming winter.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also pledged to deliver strong air defence and reaffirmed commitment to a new missiles system that could shield Ukrainian cities and strengthen Europe's defence.

Zelenskyy also told the leaders at a summit in Kyiv that his country is experiencing severe financial pressure on defence.

Its Defense Ministry faced a budget shortfall of 27 billion US dollars, the president said, as he urged allies to bring forward money from the European Union loan funding plan originally earmarked for spending next year.

Zelenskky added the funds would replenish their arsenals to make sure soldiers have weapons "in January, February and March".

Addressing the meeting, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal cited the recent large-scale missile attacks on Ukraine, stressing "Moscow must understand that this war will become more and more costly."

Michal went on to say that it was vital to keep Ukraine strong. Zelenskyy stated he wanted to secure 300 additional Patriot air defence interceptors, the sole weapon to shoot down the Russian missiles, while Ukraine's Air Force had requested 360.

He expects to obtain even 5% or 10% of US reserves of the weapons and said Ukraine was able to pay for them.

On the same day, US President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, celebrated the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, which he described as a promise kept by every man and woman of the country. "35 years ago, you chose freedom. Today, you defend it. Tomorrow, you will build upon it."

Former US Vice President Mike Pence also voiced support for Ukraine in his address at the forum. "It is in the vital national interest of the United States of America to continue to provide Ukraine with the support they need to defeat and repel the Russian invasion," Pence said.