Ukraine Urges Europe to Build Independent Missile Defense System
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Europe to urgently develop its own missile defense system, saying Kyiv is already in talks with several countries on a joint project that could be established within a year.
Defense against ballistic missiles remains one of Ukraine’s most significant vulnerabilities in the war with Russia. Effective interception is currently provided mainly by US Patriot systems, which are increasingly constrained in availability for deployment elsewhere.
Zelensky said Russia is systematically using ballistic missiles to target energy infrastructure, with major consequences for the country’s functioning.
Ukraine is also seeking more cost-effective solutions, including cooperation with European companies on a new type of air defense system. Limited production capacity in Europe is complicating those efforts.