**Coalition of the Willing to Meet in UK as Ukraine Faces Ongoing Russian Aggression**
A crucial meeting is set to take place in the United Kingdom next week, where leaders from around the world will gather to discuss the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The “coalition of the willing,” a group of nations led by the UK and France, will meet on July 10 to determine how to maintain Ukraine’s capacity to fight against Russian forces.
According to a French official who spoke to Politico, the meeting will focus on three key areas: maintaining Ukraine’s military capabilities, increasing pressure on Russia, and planning for future steps in the conflict. The coalition has met repeatedly since March, when leaders from 31 nations gathered in Paris to discuss potential security guarantees and peacekeeping forces for Ukraine.
The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron will lead the meeting, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky joining virtually. Several countries, including France and the UK, have pledged to send troops on the ground to enforce a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.
**Ukraine Faces Ongoing Russian Aggression**
Meanwhile, Russia’s attacks on Ukraine continue unabated. Overnight on July 4, Russian forces attacked the capital city of Kyiv, causing fires and injuring at least 23 people. This is just one example of the ongoing violence that has plagued Ukraine for months.
The Ukrainian defense industry is working to keep pace with the demand for military supplies, but shell shortages are looming due to a recent decision by the Pentagon to halt shipments of certain weapons. China’s diplomatic premises in Odesa were not affected by the recent Russian attack, despite earlier reports of potential damage.
**New Developments in the Conflict**
Dutch intelligence services have reported that Russia is systematically escalating its use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces. This comes as Ukraine continues to face significant challenges in maintaining its military capabilities.
In a recent statement, President Zelensky announced that several people who had been held captive by Russian forces since 2022 had been released. However, the ongoing conflict remains a major concern for Ukraine and the international community.
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