Ukraine needs 12-15 more air defense systems to protect itself from Russian strikes - Zelenskyy
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Russia is once again launching large-scale missile strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure. That is why Ukraine needs a reliable guarantee of protection against air terror, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during his address to the Joint Expeditionary Force summit.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine needs to fully implement the agreements on the supply of air defense systems, in particular those reached at the NATO summit in Washington.
“We remember that to compensate for the inability to invite Ukraine to join the Alliance at that stage, a significant number of air defense systems were promised to us. I ask for your help to deliver on this,” the President says.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to fully protect Ukraine from Russian missile strikes, an additional 12–15 systems are needed beyond those promised at the summit, and Ukraine’s partners are aware of this need.
In particular, Zelenskyy appealed to the United States and European countries. In his opinion, this is realistic for partner countries, and it all depends on their political will.
Russian missile strikes on Ukraine
In recent months, Russia has again stepped up attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. As always, the Russians target thermal and hydroelectric power plants and key transformer substations.
Russia strikes Ukraine with ballistic and cruise missiles and Shahed kamikaze drones.
On November 17, more than 120 missiles and 90 drones were used.
The next strike was launched on November 28. It was then that the Russians launched a new massive attack on Ukraine's energy sector. In total, damage was recorded in 14 regions of Ukraine.
And on December 13, Russia launched 287 air strikes against Ukraine - 94 missiles and 193 drones. Read more about the consequences of the Russian shelling in RBC-Ukraine's article.
After Russia intensified its shelling, Ukraine asked its partners for additional Patriot systems. Germany, the United States, Romania, and the Netherlands promised to supply them, and Italy promised to provide a SAMP-T battery.
