ISTANBUL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that he spoke with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to align diplomatic efforts ahead of a Coalition of the Willing summit in Rome set to take place within days.

On X, Zelenskyy said the two leaders spoke on the phone about joint coordination and the importance of ensuring “strong decisions” at the summit.

He also thanked Starmer for expressing condolences over recent large-scale Russian strikes and for continuing UK support to Ukraine.

“We also discussed additional funding to be provided this month for Ukraine’s domestic drone production, primarily interceptor drones,” he added.

According to Zelenskyy, the sides agreed to enhance collaboration through other formats as well, especially the Ramstein group of military backers.

“There must be more protection for human lives,” he said.