Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged leaders and businesses in Rome to increase defence investments as Russian attacks grow stronger. Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, he stressed that stopping Russian drones and missiles must be a top priority. He called for more supplies of air defence systems, interceptor drones, and missiles to protect the country.
Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine cannot face a shortage of funding while under heavy attack. He urged all partners to step up support, emphasizing that Russia’s aggression continues to escalate. The president said these attacks show Russian President Vladimir Putin is not interested in peace and wants to bring suffering to the Ukrainian people.
The conference, hosted by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, gathered hundreds of officials and business leaders, including 15 heads of state. They discussed both Ukraine’s immediate defence needs and plans for long-term recovery from the ongoing conflict. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also attended.
Meanwhile, Russian forces carried out large-scale drone and missile attacks on Ukraine’s capital, killing at least two people. These attacks happened two nights in a row, increasing fears of further escalation. Zelenskyy said Putin’s goal is to destroy lives, homes, and schools, forcing Ukrainians to flee their country.
The meeting aims to mobilize global support and investments to help Ukraine defend itself and rebuild. Zelenskyy’s appeal highlights the urgent need for continued and increased international backing in the face of growing violence.