Paris, 24 February 2026 (dpa/MIA) - On the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion, Western supporters have pledged further aid to Ukraine in its defensive struggle.

Several Western heads of state participated in the meeting in Kiev or via video link.

During consultations with the so-called Coalition of the Willing, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday said that "air defence to protect citizens is absolutely paramount."

Starmer added: "We must continue to help Ukraine defend herself and not get drawn into the idea that because there are talks going on, that somehow that means that we don't have to do the hard yards of helping Ukraine to defend herself," Starmer added.

The more than 30 leaders present on the call "reiterated their unwavering commitment to working together to achieve a just and lasting peace" and called on Russia to engage in negotiations "in a meaningful way, and to agree to a full, unconditional ceasefire."

Starmer also called for increased pressure on Russia and its war economy.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who chaired the meeting with Starmer via video link, called for stronger action against the Russian shadow fleet of cargo ships, which Russia uses to avoid sanctions, for example in oil transport.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky again insisted on the involvement of Europeans in the negotiations initiated by the United States on a possible peace agreement.

"We need Europe in negotiations. We do what we can to involve Europeans as much as possible, and we count on your leadership in all this negotiation process," Zelensky asserted.

In a statement, the coalition of more than 35 countries called on Russia to engage in constructive negotiations and an unconditional ceasefire, but participants expressed scepticism.

"We need peace, but we have to prepare to any other challenges from Russian side," Zelensky added.

In a video message, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said: "We must be clear that this war will only end when Putin realises he cannot win."

"That is why we must increase the pressure on Russia. We must dry up Moscow's war financing," Merz added.