Ukraine’s Urgent Call for More Anti-Aircraft Defense Systems: Volodymyr Zelensky Addresses Missile Strike and Pleads for Political Decisions and Agreements

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an impassioned plea for more anti-aircraft defense systems on Saturday, after Ukraine intercepted only 21 of the 34 missiles launched by Russia at dawn against three regions in the west and central-east. The country’s energy system sustained serious damage as a result of the attack.

Zelensky emphasized that political decisions and agreements are necessary to ensure that all missiles and drones fired by “Russian terrorists” are intercepted. He thanked the EU and other partners for their assistance and called for rapid delivery and firm action to achieve this goal.

The announcement of $6 billion in military aid from the United States, which will increase Ukraine’s access to Patriot missiles and drones, was welcomed by Zelensky. Spain also revealed plans to send Patriot anti-aircraft missiles with long-reaching capabilities during a virtual meeting involving more than fifty countries.

Zelensky stressed the importance of acting quickly and fully implementing agreements in order to stabilize the front and advance towards Ukraine’s war objectives. With approval for over $60 billion in new US aid secured, it is apparent that without this economic and military package, the Ukrainian Army would struggle to last beyond March or April. The challenging operational and strategic situation was discussed with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and other allies during the Ramstein meeting, as shared on Zelensky’s Telegram channel.