Ukraine develops strategic air defense system: How Europe could help
Photo: Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine has begun developing its own strategic-level air defense system. European countries may join the project, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reports.
During an online address at the meeting of EU foreign ministers taking place in Luxembourg, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized the importance of decisive European action to strengthen both Ukraine's and their own capabilities.
Sybiha recalled the recent tragic strikes on Kryvyi Rih and the city of Sumy, during which a large number of Ukrainians were killed.
"I urge your governments and municipalities to consider providing additional support for Sumy and Kryvyi Rih, for the people in these cities. All of Ukraine will be grateful to you for this," the Ukrainian Foreign Minister said.
Sybiha called for increased military assistance to Ukraine, particularly in the area of air defense capabilities - namely, additional systems, launchers, missiles, and spare parts.
According to him, work has begun in Ukraine on the development of its own strategic-level air defense system. At the same time, European countries willing to invest in this program would be able to help accelerate its implementation.
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister also stressed other urgent military needs:
- ammunition;
- long-range missiles;
- armored vehicles;
- engineering equipment;
- combat aircraft;
- drones;
- and additional investment in Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex.
"Putin will go further into Europe and closer to your homes if he isn’t stopped in Ukraine. That's the reality. And we don't want your countries one day to witness strikes by cluster ballistic missiles on residential neighborhoods or playgrounds. That's why it’s necessary to act now - to achieve peace, to strengthen Ukraine, and to increase pressure on Moscow," Sybiha stated.
Large-scale strikes on Kryvyi Rih and Sumy
Recently, Russia has been carrying out increasingly deadly strikes against Ukrainian cities.
On Friday, April 4, Russian forces struck with a missile carrying a cluster warhead near a playground in the city of Kryvyi Rih. Due to this act of Russian terror, 19 people were killed, including nine children.
Yesterday, Russian forces twice struck the center of Sumy with ballistic missiles. At least 34 people were killed there.
To find out more about the aftermath of the missile strike on Sumy, read our material on the topic.
