Kyiv hosts First Ladies Summit and Coalition of the Willing meeting

In Kyiv, Olena Zelenska organized the 'World 2026 – Support in Times of Uncertainty' summit, gathering first ladies and spouses of heads of state to address global challenges. Participants included the spouses of the presidents of Serbia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, and Romania, as well as the husband of the President of Slovenia.

Amidst Independence Day celebrations, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine will not surrender, stating that the nation's independence is rooted in a dream of freedom. Due to the threat of air strikes, large-scale public events were limited, with a gala concert at the opera serving as a central event.

Additionally, British Prime Minister Andy Bernam, alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron via video link, chaired a meeting of the 'Coalition of the Willing' in Kyiv. The group aims to provide support to Ukraine, focusing on air defense and sanctions to disrupt Russian military supply chains.