Countries pledged assurances to Ukraine, as outlined by Zelenskyy, covering 26 nations.

In a recent statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that 26 countries have agreed to provide security guarantees for Ukraine. This announcement follows French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement on 4 September, where he mentioned that 26 countries have indicated their willingness to either send troops or provide resources to support Ukraine's security forces.

The security guarantees cover protection on land, in the air, at sea, and in cyberspace. According to Zelenskyy, weapons and long-term funding for the Ukrainian army are crucial components of these security guarantees. He also highlighted the importance of a strong Ukrainian army to ensure the country's independence and sovereignty.

Zelenskyy is working to secure new contributions from partners to the PURL programme, a programme that already involves over US$2 billion and enables Ukraine to purchase American weapons. The new contributions to the PURL programme are expected to increase the funding for the Ukrainian army.

The Ukrainian army's need for stronger air defense is a top priority in Ukraine's work with its partners. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for stronger air defense and protection against Russian Shaheds and missiles.

President Zelenskyy is preparing for a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein Format. According to Zelenskyy, next week should be "quite active" due to preparations for this meeting. The Ukraine Defence Contact Group, expected to have a meeting in the near future, involves over 50 countries and international organizations.

The nine other countries that belong to the "Coalition of the Willing" and have declared readiness to provide security guarantees for Ukraine are Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Australia, Bahrain, and Bulgaria.

It is important to note that Zelenskyy did not mention any specific new partners or countries in this statement. Additionally, no new information about the recovery of a third body from under the rubble of a building in Kyiv was provided in this statement.

Zelenskyy mentioned that many of these components have already been agreed upon with partners. He did not, however, provide details on the specific agreements reached.

In conclusion, President Zelenskyy's statement marks a significant step forward in Ukraine's efforts to secure international support for its security and defence needs. The upcoming meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group is expected to provide more details on the specific commitments made by the participating countries.

Countries pledged assurances to Ukraine, as outlined by Zelenskyy, covering 26 nations.