NATO chief Rutte ready to help Ukraine secure Patriot missiles, Zelenskyy says

Zelenskyy thanked Rutte for his unwavering support in protecting Ukrainian skies.

The president stressed that the situation is currently extremely difficult due to massive Russian attacks.

In the first week of November alone, Russia launched 115 missiles of various types at Ukraine, along with thousands of guided aerial bombs and jet-powered Shahed drones.

The head of state noted that, in addition to the ongoing shortage of anti-ballistic missiles, which the enemy exploits to strike energy infrastructure, new technical difficulties have emerged.

In particular, disruptions to the Starshield system along the front line and in temporarily occupied territories are hampering efforts to intercept jet-powered drones.

Zelenskyy emphasized that, amid intensified trilateral negotiations, it is critically important that Ukraine's air defense launchers do not remain empty.

"Artificial restrictions do not serve peace – they serve the aggressor. Thank you, Mark, for your willingness to help with PAC-2 and PAC-3," the president said.

European allies are facing shortages of air defense equipment available for further transfer to Ukraine.

In particular, it was reported that Italy has exhausted its stocks of Aster air defense missiles for Ukraine and may suspend deliveries, shifting its focus to providing generators and equipment for restoring power grids.

A similar situation has emerged in Germany regarding US-made air defense systems.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius previously stated that Germany can no longer supply Ukraine with additional Patriot systems, as it has already transferred several such systems and missiles to Ukraine and has now exhausted its own capabilities.