European leaders pledge new support as Ukraine marks Independence Day

Ukraine marks its Independence Day on Monday as European leaders gathered in Kyiv and announced new military and financial support packages, underscoring continued backing for the country amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrived in Kyiv on his first overseas trip since taking office.

During the visit, Burnham is expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and attend Independence Day events alongside several European leaders, including Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Estonian President Alar Karis and European Council President Antonio Costa.

The UK government said Burnham would announce that London has agreed to allow defense company MBDA to release classified information related to British components used in the long-range SCALP missile, the French-produced counterpart of the UK's Storm Shadow missile.

The move is intended to support plans by France and Ukraine to establish local assembly lines in Ukraine, enabling the country to develop its own long-range missile production capabilities.

The announcement came as the European Commission approved an additional 6.1 billion euros ($7.12 billion) in defense assistance for Ukraine.

According to the Commission, the funding will be used to procure urgently needed military equipment, including air-defense systems, missiles, ammunition and radar systems.

Following the latest approval, the Commission said the total value of defense procurement plans approved under the Ukraine Support Loan program has reached 16 billion euros, with about 8.35 billion euros already disbursed.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would continue providing support to Ukraine, particularly as Russia has intensified missile and drone attacks.

The Commission noted that much of the procurement would be carried out by defense companies in EU member states.

Separately, Zelensky said Ukraine does not see any alternative security arrangement that could replace NATO membership.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, he argued that joining the alliance would provide Ukraine with broader opportunities for financing and defense cooperation.

Zelensky also said Ukraine still requires an additional 30 billion euros in EU loans this year to help cover its budget deficit and faces a further 27 billion dollars in defense spending needs.

"If we are included in NATO's budget framework, we will be stronger," he said.