Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with a delegation from the World Congress of Ukrainians to strategize on global diplomatic backing, reinforcing vital air defenses, and maintaining international pressure on Russia ahead of a challenging winter.
As Ukraine faces a difficult winter amid ongoing conflict and shifting global attention toward other international crises, leadership in Kyiv is doubling down on international diplomacy. Volodymyr Zelenskyy held discussions with top representatives of the World Congress of Ukrainians to coordinate efforts across governments, parliaments, and diaspora communities worldwide. According to Ukrinform, this was reported on the president’s website.
The president thanked the World Congress of Ukrainians (UWC) for its active work, which strengthens Ukraine and ensures that our voice is heard around the world.
The parties discussed cooperation with governments, parliaments, and Ukrainian communities abroad. The president emphasized that it is especially important right now to work with the governments, parliaments, and communities of other countries to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense, increase pressure on Russia, and boost financial support for our country. According to him, every country is important, especially those located far away—in North and South America, Asia, and Oceania.
The diplomatic push comes as Ukraine works to keep its defense needs at the forefront of international agendas. Zelenskyy noted: “We want to thank you for representing Ukraine all this time. I am confident that a great deal has been accomplished because many people are working on this, and many voices are speaking out about Ukraine abroad. We are grateful for this, especially at a time when there are many challenges in the world, many wars—currently in the Middle East—and we know that the world’s attention is focused on various challenges.”
Mobilizing Global Advocacy and Defining 2026 as the Year of Unity
Representatives of the World Congress of Ukrainians thanked the head of state for his leadership and noted the special emphasis on unity during the Independence Day celebrations, as they have declared 2026 as the Year of Unity of the Ukrainian People. More than 400 organizations worldwide have already signed the corresponding declaration of unity. They are all united by four main goals: to actively work toward Ukraine’s victory, its post-war reconstruction, the protection of its territorial integrity, and the strengthening of the global Ukrainian community.
Representatives of the World Congress of Ukrainians confirmed their readiness to strengthen international advocacy. This includes increasing military aid, and the parties discussed cooperation with governments, parliaments, and Ukrainian communities abroad.
“Air defense, finances, and sanctions are undoubtedly the key issues we must navigate this winter. But a strong voice is also very important, of course, as are political and informational support.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
Strategic Priorities for the Winter Ahead and UK Support
With competing global crises drawing attention toward regions like the Middle East, Ukrainian leadership and international diaspora networks are working in tandem to support Kyiv.
Andy Burnham said UK support for Ukraine remains unwavering
ahead of welcoming Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday as his first international visitor since becoming prime minister. He will host the Ukrainian president a week after entering Downing Street, underlining the government’s continued backing for Kiev under his premiership, according to his office. Andy Burnham has said the UK is with Ukraine 100%
as Volodymyr Zelensky became the prime minister’s first international visitor since entering No 10. Burnham said the visit of the Ukrainian president was designed to send a very clear message
about the UK’s continued support.
To put it simply, Volodymyr, I want you to know that we've got your back, you can count on me and you can count on us. You can count on the UK for as long as it takes,
he said at a naval base in Portsmouth on Monday. Zelensky, meanwhile, said Ukraine’s relationship with the UK was stronger than ever
. Addressing Zelensky, Burnham said: I am personally with you 100%, Mr President, and I will honour every commitment this country has made to Ukraine in full.
Burnham added that he intended to visit Ukraine “soonfollowing the
very warm meeting” between the pair.
They will visit a naval base where Burnham will announce that Britain will hand over the intellectual property behind its new “Stone Cloak” electronic warfare system, enabling Ukraine to produce the technology at scale. The tablet-sized device is designed to block Russian detection of any drones it is fitted to. The Ministry of Defence has already given thousands of the jammers to Ukrainian forces to bolster their drone operations. Burnham said in a statement: Britain stands with Ukraine, shoulder to shoulder, and our support remains unwavering.
He added: Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve and we will not back down until we achieve long-lasting and just peace for Ukraine.
Burnham further stated: Stone Cloak is the best of homegrown British innovation and proven on the frontline, and it will be vital to protecting our security in both our countries.
Burnham said of the system: It will help them to hit their targets and help save Ukrainian lives.
Following its deployment in Ukraine, the technology is expected to be incorporated into the UK’s next generation of long-range strike weapons, including Project Brakestop, the government’s initiative to develop low-cost cruise missiles. Downing Street said this would include self-propelled guided weapons that fly like normal aircraft for much of their flight.
During the visit, the two leaders will meet more than 200 Ukrainian military personnel who have spent the past three weeks in the UK taking part in Exercise Sea Breeze, aimed at strengthening warfighting capabilities and counter-mine measures in the Black Sea. Burnham spoke to Zelensky in one of his first calls after taking office last Monday and invited the Ukrainian leader to visit at the earliest opportunity.
The new prime minister, who has little foreign policy experience from his previous time in government, had vowed to maintain his predecessor Keir Starmer’s resolute support for Ukraine before entering No 10.
